Arc-6 Ch-18

 My arrival must have been unexpected—the six of them looked utterly shocked. Especially Lady Olivia and Marie, their eyes darting in confusion as to why I was here. Jilk, on the other hand, barely reacted. Well, as Julius’s foster-brother, he could probably guess from the letter’s wording or the summons. I took a seat to calm my nerves. The pressure from having most of the kingdom’s saviors gathered was immense.

In a one-on-one, anything-goes fight, I might have a slim chance, but orchestrating that was impossible. Today’s goal wasn’t combat—getting home in one piece was the negotiation.

“Long time no see, you lot. Lady Olivia, you look radiant. Your exploits reach even the frontier.”

“Thank you. You seem well too, Lord Leon.”

Lady Olivia greeted me politely. A beautiful girl treating a guy like me without prejudice warms the heart. I ignored the murderous glares from the other five. I removed my coat and hung it on the chair. I was already running late.

I arrived in the capital from the Bartfort territory by airship just before sunset. The port inspection dragged on with explanations for my cargo.

Then the entrance here was overly strict—thorough interrogations before entry. What the hell? Bad luck today?

“…Where’s Julius?”

“His Highness isn’t coming today. I asked him to gather everyone here.”

“So you' called us, then.”

“Exactly.”

Greg and Chris asked, so I answered honestly. Straightforward guys are great—conversations flow.

“In other words, the sender was His Highness, but inviting Lady Olivia here was you, Viscount Bartfort.”

“Yeah.”

“Can I ●×□▲ crush him?”

“Why does it come to that?!”

She casually muttered words no girl should say! Look, Lady Olivia and the other four are horrified!Marie cracked her knuckles, glaring at me. What’s with this maid? What kind of upbringing leads to this, Saintess?

“Why, though?”

“I wasn’t told you had a personal connection with His Highness.”

“It started with Queen Mylene and Angie’s personal ties. From there, His Highness and I set up a private communication network. First time using it, though.”

“Why impersonate His Highness to call us? It’s suspicious.”

“Would you lot come if 'I' called?”

“…”

That silence was answer enough. Low trust hurts. But without His Highness, I couldn’t contact them. Relying on him was 'extremely' distasteful, but necessary.

Effective, but I never want to do it again.

“Sorry for the deception. The situation demanded it. After much thought, your cooperation seemed the surest way.”

“Then be honest about your plan. Sudden summons and getting dragged in pisses me off.”

“Who tried to forcibly drag *me* here before?”

“Wait, Lord Leon, that happened to you?”

“About a year ago. Stalked from the ducal mansion, nearly ambushed.”

“We tried talking properly! *You* ambushed after running!”

“Then don’t tail me sneakily. Angie saw the wounds from our fight—she gave me hell.”

I struck first, but it barely fazed them.

Getting grabbed with brute strength and poked with a branch was worse for me.

Lady Olivia silently listened beside our argument, but the air around the saintess felt heavy.

'Boom!!'

Lady Olivia slammed the table hard. The sound silenced us all. She was smiling, but her brow furrowed, temples twitching. The four idiots cowered and quieted.

Ha, scolded!

“Viscount Bartfort, we’ll table that story. Please explain why you summoned us.”

“Y-Yes, ma’am.”

I obeyed. Angering the saintess seemed dangerous.

“I’ve collected signatures from frontier reform supporters. Merit awards are soon—more time won’t yield many more.”

“I gathered from temple-affiliated nobles. Her Highness Mylene and His Highness Julius from royalists. Everyone else from their connections. Her Highness and Lady Angelica are compiling at the palace.”

“Be honest, Bartfort, Brad—what kind of frontier nobles signed on?”

“Mostly upstart or low-rank nobles. Some with decent territories, but high nobles wouldn’t budge. My family, the Fields, agreed eventually but remain skeptical.”

“The Roseblades signed, but frankly, it’s like a betrothal gift for my brother and their lady. Plus personal ties—those I helped in the war.”

“What about court nobles?”

“Not great. Many court nobles colluded with Fanoss, took bribes, or joined the Forest. Her Highness and the prime minister purged them. New ministers are mostly ducal appointees.”

“…Lady Angelica secretly gave me info days ago. Combined lord and court nobles supporting reform: about 20% of the kingdom. We needed discreet, financially savvy nobles.”

Angelica meeting Olivia was unexpected.

Something must have happened while she was in the capital, but their efforts sped things up.

The core of Angelica’s reform to mend ducal-royal ties: economic policy. Two wars with Fanoss in five years drained gold and lives. Annexing the principality post-war doesn’t mean instant recovery—nothing comes from nothing.

Rebuilding ravaged lands needs massive funds and manpower. Everywhere faced shortages; recovery stalled. The Redgrave duke, offering aid, became reliable. I became the duke’s foster through marrying Angelica.

Nobles preferred the generous duke over the delayed-reward royals. Thus, the duke gained near-royal trust. Angelica’s plan: the duke thrives on stagnant money flow. Flood the market with currency to reduce reliance.

But unplanned minting is bad. I learned from Angie’s scoldings as a novice lord. Sudden money surge inflates prices—disaster. Too high, goods don’t sell; too low, profits drop.

Coinage and notes are royal monopoly.

But political masters aren’t always business savvy. Queen Mylene excels in politics but prioritizes royals.

Angelica’s view: a fat king with starving masses breaks the nation. Create an institution to regulate money flow, restore national strength.

“At least 30%, ideally 40% support would force the duke to reconcile.”

“High nobles resisted. Our families too—content with status quo, change is scary. Only a year post-war; those recovering traditionally avoid risky reforms.”

“Most supporters are baron and viscounts—duke can silence them easily.”

“Our families don’t want to oppose Redgrave now. Reform likely shelved.”

That’s the conclusion these guys reached.

I racked my inadequate brain and came to the same one. Angie plans to persuade the duke and force the royals to implement the reforms.

But major policies are decided in councils with royals, ministers, and high nobles.

With the ducal faction steadily gaining power, proposals face high rejection odds.

Angie believes she can convince her father.

She wasn’t spoiled in the ducal house, but she thinks her logic as his daughter will make him listen.

My view differs slightly. Humans are emotional creatures. Some idiots won’t understand no matter how politely explained. I’ve seen generals lose composure in rage, unable to judge calmly.

Interestingly, the smarter or academically excellent ones tend toward this.

Not funny, actually.

No matter how accurate the info or optimal the plan, if they hate you, they won’t follow.

Lacking failure experience dulls danger awareness. Smart ones twist logic to make impossible conditions seem feasible.

I suffered under such superiors in war.

The current Redgrave duke clearly distrusts the royals. I visited the ducal mansion each capital trip to pay respects—he grew more ill-tempered each time. Angie hasn’t seen her father like that.

This recognition gap and paternal love sweeten her view.

The more she preaches reason, the more stubborn the duke might become, growing suspicious. I want to stop it before that.

The duke and I are strangers, but he’s Angie’s father, Lionel and Ariel’s grandfather.

High nobles fighting over succession, kin turning on kin isn’t rare, but not for my family. If someone must be hated, better me—no blood ties to the duke.

“With you cornered, I propose flipping the board where numerical and qualitative advantage is impossible.”

Twelve eyes fixed on me.

They screamed, "It’s probably crap.'

Yeah, it’s crap—might skip negotiation straight to civil war splitting the kingdom. But unavoidable desperation hits everyone sometime.

“Listen first, judge after.”

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

“…What do you think?”

Heavy silence. Air coldly pricked the skin.

“Frankly, are you an idiot?”

“No way, that’s insane.”

“Are we 'that' desperate to rely on such a hopeless plan?”

“Too dangerous—more likely to worsen than improve.”

“Why is Lady Angelica in love with this guy?”

“You have one life. Don’t be rash.”

Yeah, expected that. That’s why I’m consulting you.

“Calm down. And don’t trash it—I’ll cry.”

“I want to. I can’t fathom why you’d resort to this folly.”

“I know it’s folly. But I think it might be most effective.”

“Explain in detail. Lady Angelica devised the reforms. Why disregard your wife’s plan? It discards our efforts.”

“That’s why. Its impossibility makes it effective.”

They tilted heads, not grasping. You’re all smart and strong. You win with straightforward tactics—no need for half-baked strength like mine, relying on tricks. You can’t comprehend one defeat leading to overall victory, or the dirtiness of sacrificing a pawn.

“Why are we pushing these reforms? Rethink from there.”

“To curb ducal influence and force reconciliation, rebuilding finances to gain noble support. Correct?”

“Yes. Goal: royal-ducal reconciliation. Reforms are just a means—bloodless with recovery in mind. Discard that and think.”

Talent shortage, fund delays, military depletion, foreign interference—Angie’s optimal plan considering all. Trample my cute wife’s desperate plan with the worst method. You heroes, pure and upright, can’t do it.

I can. I hate it, but if needed to win, I choose it. Righteousness matters, but losing renders it meaningless. Unlike politicians, soldiers need winning strategies.

“Create a clear enemy—an obvious villain. Rivals unite to defeat it. That your idea?”

“Sharp as ever. Correct.”

“I did my best." 

Villainous knight Viscount Leon Fou Bartfort harbors rebellion against Duke Vince Rapha Redgrave. Harming not just the duke but the royals, the duke captures me. That’s my solution.

“So that’s why.”

“Yes. A clear enemy forces action. If royal-ducal alliance minimizes damage, they’ll temporarily unite. The duke calculates well.”

“After executing you, they might fight again?”

“Many young ducal and upstart nobles owe or admire me. The duke married Angie to me for that. Punishing me advertises poor judgment. Some see strict justice even for son-in-law; others cold disposal. With this At least ducal faction will be in chaos—no energy for fighting the royal.”

The duke uses me as a royal-fighting pawn and to gain young noble trust. Marrying his daughter to a near-commoner baron’s second son—unprecedented favor. It earned trust. Discarding me weakens faction, loses youth support.

Fighting royals then? Dubious.

They’re on the royal side—I’d hate facing them head-on.

“I understand Viscount Bartfart’s plan. But does Lady Angelica know?”

“She knows nothing. My sole decision.”

“Figures. She’d rage and stop you if she knew.”

“Involving her means the duke punishes the whole Bartfort family—daughter and grandchildren included. I must avoid that.”

“So you’ll keep silent?”

“An upstart war-strong knight mistakes his place, eyeing the duke’s position. Fits the villainous knight.”

“The Bartfort house will be dissolved.”

“No evidence of involvement or guilt for wife and kids means no execution. Imprison me, pass to grandson, or take under ducal house. Either way, high chance lives are spared.”

Dismantling the Bartfort territory, now stably managed, to revert it to royal direct control would be inconvenient compared to installing my grandson as lord.

Angie far surpasses me in territory management.

With one son, one daughter, and the coming baby, succession issues are nil. The family lived near-commoner before—losing title won’t ruin them. Sorry to Colin and Dorothea if their engagement falls through.

“But for realism, it can’t look staged. Must convince it’s genuine. Needs skilled hands—mercenaries untrustworthy. You’re perfect.”

“Why no Julius?”

“He’s a spotlight hog. Tried leading the kidnapping rescue himself.”

Everyone shifted uncomfortably. The prince apparently bungled plenty.

“If royals knew my plan beforehand, the duke would see reconciliation as a trap. Avoid that.”

“Thorough.”

“Cooperation’s personal. Failure implicates you and your families. So you are feel free to choose.”

They saved me in the Fanoss wars; Angie’s safety in the kidnapping—I owe endlessly. I won’t presume their aid for my crazy plan. I’d execute alone if needed.

“I’m in.”

Greg first.

“Sneaking ain’t my style. Helping Bartfort sounds fun.”

“Don’t choose for fun.”

“Me too.”

Brad next.

“Retreating here means losing to your resolve. My pride won’t allow it. Unbeautiful.”

“Who’re you competing with?”

“I’ll do it.”

Chris.

“Not fully agreeing, but the duke’s tyranny is excessive. Worth challenging for order.”

“Grateful.”

“…”

“Hey, only you left.”

“Running now?”

“Too sly for Jilk.”

“Shut up!!”

Teased, Jilk snapped. I wouldn’t force him.

“Sloppy plan—won’t succeed as is.”

“Aware.”

“Give documents. I’ll revise, maximize success.”

“Tsundere.”

“Quiet!”

All four men in. Only Lady Olivia left. Honestly, her involvement is risky— she is simply too influential. Temple higher-ups favor her marriage to Gilbert for current ducal advantage, but her participation signals saintess opposing duke.

Already unpredictable board; adding temple and her admirers—chaos.

“…I can’t. High priest and leaders favor duke for advantage. They’d switch if royals gain. As saintess, I can’t fuel conflict.”

“…Fair. No resentment without help.”

“But if my attendant vanishes unnoticed, that’s my oversight—not ducal rift.”

“Uh, meaning?”

“Marie.”

“Yes, Lady Olivia.”

“Assist Viscount Bartfort.”

“As the saintess wills.”

Marie joins instead. Plan outlined. Fine-tuned details here. Meeting lasted two clock revolutions.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

“Lord Leon, sit there.”

After men left, Lady Olivia detained me. Casually wondering, she visibly displeased, ordering me.

Confused, I sought Marie’s help—she glared too.

Sorry for using Julius’s name, but this much anger?

Sneaking from temple is hard—hurry back or trouble?

I sat timidly. Lady Olivia loomed like a tree.

Move a bit will you?

Sitting puts saintess’s ample chest eye-level. My favorite is Angie’s. But expecting a young man not to glance at a beauty’s is impossible. Instinct—hard to control.

Her fist lightly bonked my head. Minimal pain, but saintess punching hurts the heart. Sorry, I’ll watch next time.

“Lord Leon, bad!”

“Sorry, impulse—forgive me?”

“Impulse is reasonably for 'that' kind of plan?”

“Eh? Oh, that. Sorry for deception.”

She didn’t notice the glance. So I Ignored Marie’s cold stare.

“Met Lady Angelica at temple days ago.”

“Seems my wife troubled you—sorry.”

“Hearing everyone’s worries is saintess duty. But *that* plan—no.”

“Which?”

“Sacrificing yourself without consulting her—why?”

She’s upset I’m scheming behind Angie’s back. She’s smarter—excuses are futile.

“I did what I could these months. Poor results. I’m a soldier, not administrator. Post-peace, I doubt managing better than Angie.”

“So self-sacrifice plan?”

“No noble education. Her-blooded son has more promise than killer me.”

“…Think Lady Angelica would accept?”

“No idea. Lately, I only thinking about what pleases Angie, what leaves for kids.”

“Sigh. Same as her.”

“Angie?”

Didn’t expect such talks. Angie has complex feelings toward Olivia—not open-hearted.

“Whether she’s worthy as your wife, or Marie and I suit you better. All she said.”

“Angi said that?”

“Tomorrow—today—talk properly with her.”

“Yes.”

“Louder.”

“Yes!!”

“Good. Go home.”

She pointed to door. I obeyed. Thick door—hard to open.

“Why do men show off before loved ones?”

“No clue—barely experienced love.”

“Self-satisfaction. Women aren’t as weak as men think.”

“So in sync yet missing each other—not even funny.”

“Brag, brag, brag!? That couple—lovey-dovey behind backs!”

“they themselves is unaware makes it worse.”

“I hear you!”

Saintess and attendant chatting like normal girls—warned them. Slightly worried for the kingdom’s future.

┳⁠━━━━⁠━⁠⁠━⁠━⁠━━━⁠┳

Authors Note

┻━⁠━━━━⁠━━⁠━━━⁠┻

Leon’s perspective strategy meeting. Original Leon worsens situations with self-sacrifice.  

Angie’s reform outline here; details secret longer.  

This Leon, without Luxion, acknowledges the five idiots’ strength. Next: post-reunion couple rest chapter.

Postscript: At client’s request, Dotan-sama illustrated this chapter’s Olivia image. Thank you.

Dotan-sama: Pixiv (18+)

Thoughts/feedback encourage future work.