SWNOVELXO Chapter 349
Chapter 350. Who’s the Crazier One? (3)
“So, what did Rukan do?”
“Brother! You heard about the Southern Sword Tournament, right? He encountered a monster from the Demon Realm there. It wasn’t a coincidence. Prince Rukan released those monsters.”
“A monster from the Demon Realm…!”
The Southern Sword Tournament. A gathering of knights who excel in both youth and skill. And yet, a slime had entered the competition.
That slime, hailing from the Demon Realm, was a formidable opponent that even Keter couldn’t easily defeat.
But even such a slime would be mere prey in the Demon Realm. Just a common type of monster. That’s how terrifying the Demon Realm is.
And yet, Rukan is said to have tamed those monsters. How?
Keter suddenly recalled something. After the tournament, Ultima had told him:
“Keter. It seems like monsters from the Demon Realm are being sold as pets. It’s not a trend that started in the Lilian Kingdom, but rather among the nobles of the Empire. The slime that appeared in the tournament is one of them.”
At the time, Keter wasn’t particularly interested, so he just waved it off.
“Handle it yourself. If it’s profitable, go ahead. If not, forget it.”
Since he wasn’t interested, he had completely forgotten about it. But now, the consequences were surfacing.
“So, Prince Rukan was the one leaking monsters from the Demon Realm into this world.”
Rukan wasn’t just taming pets; he was also training monsters for war.
“If it’s a monster from the Demon Realm, it wouldn’t be strange for it to defeat even Prime. But Brother, there’s a rumor that the monsters can distinguish friend from foe. That means there’s a Demon Realm Tamer. Isn’t that strange? Taming monsters from the Demon Realm?”
Over the centuries, many have tried to use monsters from the Demon Realm. If one could control such monsters, they could become a powerful nation.
But all attempts failed. Even the Mage Empire failed at taming Demon Realm monsters.
And yet, out of nowhere, Prince Rukan succeeded? A man with no notable talent or achievements?
“There must be someone backing him… Why does that person come to mind?”
The Grand Duke of Ruquer, Alkione.
For some reason, Keter felt that Alkione was behind Rukan—no.
“It’s more accurate to say the Grand Duke is manipulating Rukan.”
“That’s a terrifying hypothesis. It means our enemy is the Grand Duke.”
“Why are you acting surprised? I saw this coming.”
“This didn’t happen in your past life.”
“It’s not that it didn’t happen. I just didn’t know about it.”
“Ah, right!”
The Grand Duke didn’t suddenly become Rukan’s backer. He has always been behind Rukan, and by extension, the Lilian Kingdom. That explains everything.
“There’s no need to speculate on his motives. It’s certainly not to eliminate the world’s suffering and poverty.”
“The motives of those shady types are all the same. Either to dominate the world or to destroy it. It’s cliché, but it’s a dream no one has achieved.”
“Thanks to that, I’m never bored.”
“Didn’t you say your dream was to retire quietly and live out your later years in peace?”
“Maknun.”
Keter placed his hand on Maknun’s shoulder. His usual playful gaze was gone.
“The more a human gives up, the stronger they become. And I plan to fight a god.”
He knew that to fight a god, he would have to give up not only his life but also his dreams. Even then, it wouldn’t be enough.
Keter’s words were clear, so Maknun simply nodded in silence.
Poke.
Keter poked Maknun’s cheek and laughed.
“But don’t worry too much. I’m not fighting for others. I’m fighting for myself. I’ll survive. Life is meant to be enjoyed.”
“Right. Brother, you’re more suited to be a villain than a hero.”
“That aside, if Rukan is using monsters from the Demon Realm, he’ll be targeted by other nations. Does that mean he has enough monsters to withstand that?”
“I haven’t seen it myself, but he must be confident enough to take on even the Empire.”
Monsters from the Demon Realm are a common enemy of all nations. If Rukan is controlling them, he becomes a public enemy.
Moreover, the justification is too good. Nations can send armies to punish Rukan for controlling monsters.
“Even if they don’t send armies, they’ll flock to see how he’s controlling the monsters. Prince Rukan has really stirred up a mess.”
“Thanks to that, the entire Lilian Kingdom is at risk of becoming a battlefield. Honestly, I’m not sure if Prince Rukan has that much confidence, but if it’s the Grand Duke, it’s entirely possible.”
“Sigh… Do you know how much damage Rakan has taken?”
“Rakan’s forces are estimated at 350,000 in total, with 70,000 lost. One Prime was also killed during the retreat. Three cities were taken in one blow, leaving only seven.”
“…Ha.”
Keter silently stroked his chin. Then, he let out a deep sigh and got angry.
“This is annoying. I’m supposed to be the crazy one in this country, but those two are trying to take my place. I can’t just sit back and watch this.”
While Keter and Daat were discussing Rukan and Rakan’s madness, Sephira was also holding a meeting on the same topic.
“We must send the surrendered noble families to the frontlines! Prince Rukan wouldn’t send monsters from the Demon Realm unless he’s gone mad!”
“What are you talking about? Prince Rukan has already gone mad! And if the prisoners defect to Prince Rukan, who will manage the vast Southern Land?”
“Land. Let’s dig the land! We’ll dig and connect it to the river to create an incredibly deep and long moat. We’ll turn the entire Southern Region into an island to ensure safety…!”
The meeting was chaos. Everyone was shouting their extreme solutions.
But their reactions aren’t unusual. Monsters from the Demon Realm are that terrifying. Even crying children stop when they hear a monster from the Demon Realm is coming.
And with the news of Prince Rakan’s crushing defeat, Sephira’s fear only grew.
“We must come up with a plan while Prince Rakan holds out.”
“Isn’t Sephira the best in the world at defense? We’ll build higher walls! And watchtowers everywhere! No matter how strong the monsters are, they can’t do anything if we shoot arrows from afar!”
“If it’s monsters from the Demon Realm, even the Empire, which shudders at the thought of beastmen, will act. Rukan has chosen the path of self-destruction, so we just need to watch.”
“What if they attack Sephira while we’re watching? It’ll be too late to prepare then!”
The debate was endless. Hisop pressed his forehead and stood up.
Even though the lord had stood, no one reacted. They were too engrossed in the discussion.
Leganon, sitting beside him, tried to quiet them with a gavel, but Hisop shook his head.
“I’ll step out for some air.”
“I’ll summarize the vassals’ opinions in the meantime.”
Hisop didn’t have a clear solution, so he felt suffocated. He left the meeting room through a side door and looked up at the sky.
“Sigh… Nothing is easy.”
Every day was a struggle. That was the weight of being a lord. At that moment, the person who came to Hisop’s mind was, of course, Keter.
“I’d like to hear Keter’s opinion.”
He had sent a servant to invite Keter to the meeting, but Keter didn’t come.
‘Then I’ll have to go find him myself.’
Unlike last time, at least he knew where Keter was. Hisop headed toward the hill where Keter was with light steps.
It was only a 10-minute walk, but countless thoughts raced through Hisop’s mind during that time.
What was his own plan of action?
Would his father, Basil, have handled the vassals with more charisma? His self-reproach.
And what ingenious method would Keter use to overcome this crisis? His curiosity.
What if Keter wasn’t there? What if he disappeared like last time, leaving them to wait indefinitely? His anxiety.
And the fact that he, no, Sephira, was not just relying on Keter but becoming dependent on him. Should he be happy or sad about that?
Hisop himself couldn’t make sense of it.
“Thinking about such trivial things shows how much I’m struggling.”
He saw Keter sitting on the hill.
He wasn’t alone. He was sitting with the strategist Daat, laughing and talking.
Whoosh whoosh.
Keter noticed Hisop and casually waved. Hisop smiled back and approached Keter.
“What were you talking about that was so interesting?”
“We were discussing international affairs.”
“Huh?”
Not exactly a fun topic.
“Whether the kings of other nations will simply watch Rukan or actively intervene. Organizations beyond nations, especially the Sun Church, might even declare a holy war, wouldn’t they?”
“Hmm. You’re not wrong.”
Hisop had expected Keter to be discussing something like “What should we eat for dinner?” but was surprised to find him discussing such a heavy topic. He looked at Keter again.
“Brother Hisop. That expression… Did you think I was discussing what to eat for dinner or something?”
“Ah, no… Does my inner thoughts show that much?”
“It was a joke.”
“…Sorry.”
“Apologizing just made it more awkward. Anyway, what do you think? About the actions Sephira should take.”
“Hmm… Honestly, nothing comes to mind. The vassals’ suggestions are all just ordinary solutions. I came to hear your and the strategist’s opinions.”
Snap!
Daat snapped his fingers and spoke instead of Keter.
“Then you came at the right time. We just decided what to do.”
“Oh? What is it?”
Keter and Daat had never been wrong before. They always led Sephira to victory.
Of course, each time, Sephira underwent significant changes and had to endure hardships, but as long as the result was good, it was fine.
By now, Hisop had already steeled himself. He had gained some experience as a lord and wasn’t afraid anymore.
Keter glanced around and leaned closer to Hisop.
“Only you should know this, Brother Hisop. Don’t tell the elders. No matter how tight our security is, the atmosphere can still be sensed by the enemy.”
“Understood. I’ll keep it in mind. Even if my father returns, I won’t say a word.”
“If it were Taragon, I wouldn’t trust him, but since it’s you, Brother Hisop, I’ll tell you.”
Gulp.
Hisop was nervous. How top-secret was this that they were being so cautious?
“Prince Rukan and Prince Rakan have done something crazy, right?”
“…Right?”
“And I’m the crazy one in this family, right?”
“That’s not wrong either…”
“At least when it comes to crazy actions, I can’t lose to those two princes.”
“……?”
Thud.*
Keter grabbed Hisop’s shoulders and spoke with the most serious expression.
“I need to become not just the crazy one in this family, but the crazy one in this country.”