Chapter 170: Now the Last One

‘Jarken, huh?’

Ian distinctly remembered the deputy chairman Jarken.

After all, who could forget the leech who sided with Garcia in his past life and stirred turmoil within the royal family?

‘In the end, he became the Council of Elders’s Chairman and successfully arranged the betrothal of the Second Princess and his son.’

He couldn’t quite recall his son’s name.

But he remembered how, as the Crown Princess’ fiancé, he almost took Ian’s place on the throne.

This was due to a minor argument with Duke Garcia.

Jarken, on the other hand, attempted to sell the country through collaboration with another country.

Of course, that was not what mattered right now.

‘Well. Such things have nothing to do with me.’

What was important was what he had just heard—a conversation between two people that reached Ian’s ears, strengthened by Faith.

[An engagement with the third princess… the saintess… alright…]

[You shall be king of the continent…]

Some pieces were fragmented in between.

However, there was no need to validate what they were discussing.

Ian raised his eyebrows furiously.

‘How dare they…’

Who do they think they are to arrange a marriage between anyone?

What about his younger sister, who has never felt any parental affection before now?

It was reasonable for him to show no mercy.

“Stop him!”

He slashed down at those who tried to block his way.

Swoosh!

Aaaaargh!

In an instant, the guards stationed at Jarken’s mansion fell, bloodied and defeated.

A knight, clearly flustered, urgently directed the other soldiers.

“What… what are you doing? Hurry up and stop that guy!”

At his command, knights and soldiers began to come out from the mansion.

These were Jarken’s soldiers, who had been on standby to provide reinforcements to Cantum.

“Attack!”

Hundreds of soldiers charged in an attempt to take down Ian.

But then, at that moment—

Flash!

Those who had charged were struck down instantly.

Nathan was the one accountable.

“Who do you dare attack?”

With a murderous expression unlike his usual demeanor, Nathan overwhelmed the crowd.

The soldiers who were charging forward hesitated and retreated at the sight of him.

Amidst the chaos, some voices rang out.

“Y-you are… the lover of the first princess, Sir Nathan!”

“Why are you here instead of protecting the first princess?”

At their words, Nathan waved his hands in denial.

“Who’s spreading such falsehoods! I am not romantically involved with her!”

“The rumors have spread far and wide. You can’t fool us.”

“No, I truly am not!”

Despite Nathan’s confusion and protestations, Ian pushed him aside and stepped forward, holding out the decree.

“Traitor Jarken, who manipulated the royal decree for personal use! Step forward and surrender at once!”

“What does that even mean?”

“This is an official royal decree! Anyone who supports Deputy Chairman Jarken will be deemed a traitor!”

“!”

The knight leading the soldiers turned in shock and signaled to Jarken for guidance.

But both Jarken and his son couldn’t believe what they were hearing.

‘I’ve never been contacted by the Keeper of the Privy Seal, who is in charge of royal decrees. I haven’t heard any stories about using decrees from those watching over His Majesty.’

Given this context, it was understandable why Jarken responded harshly.

“Don’t be ridiculous! Do you expect us to fall for a forged decree?”

“My son is correct. Regardless of its appearance of authenticity, I hold the position of Deputy Chairman of the Council of Elders. Return after following the proper procedures, Seventh Prince.”

Even if it were a genuine decree, they were implying that Ian should come along with the royal chamberlain.

Ian let out a small laugh.

“Not everyone deceives others with fake decree like you.”

“What?”

“Just because you engaged in such actions doesn’t mean others will follow suit. Moreover, the royal chamberlain you mentioned has long passed away.”

“Could it be that you… you disposed of him…”

“If you thought you could survive after exploiting the decree for personal gain, that was a huge mistake. This is a legitimate decree from His Majesty. Anyone who resists might as well be judged for treason.”

“!”

At Ian’s words, the soldiers hesitated, uncertain of their next move. Ian drove his point home.

“Pointing swords at me, as well as aiding Jarken, is tantamount to insulting the royal family. So, who among you still has their sword drawn?”

“From this moment on, anyone who keeps their sword unsheathed will be labeled a traitor!”

With Nathan’s words, the soldiers’ morale was completely crushed.

They began to lower their weapons, sensing the change in atmosphere.

Just then…

Jarken’s son shouted out.

“If my father and I fall, do you think your families will be spared! Do not forget whose hands your families’ lives depend on!”

He whispered to the knight commander.

“Either way, that man won’t spare us. So, eliminate him. I’ll handle the aftermath.”

“Understood.”

It was a murderous intent.

It was clear that they were contemplating killing Ian and burying him right there.

The eyes of the knights and soldiers who were about to lower their weapons at his command were murderous.

And they started to charge at him.

Ian’s eyes lit up.

‘Looks like they’re quite confident in their backing. To dare point swords at a member of the royal family, at the King of Bahara.’

Currently, there was only one person in the royal family who could act with such audacity.

He had intended to meet them anyway, so this turn of events seemed advantageous.

Nathan tilted his head in disbelief.

“Are they truly out of their minds? Attempting to assassinate a member of the royal family.”

“They seem to have forgotten the fact that attacking a member of the royal family brings destruction to their entire lineage.”

Both Nathan and Ian appeared completely at ease, but Nathan, seemingly puzzled, asked, “But why are they acting like this?”

“I suspect they are being coerced,” Ian observed, his gaze sharpening.

‘There were men like that in my past life. People whose families were held captive, whose lives depended on them to do their bidding.’

In that moment, thoughts of his younger sister and mother flashed through Ian’s mind.

They, too, had suffered under similar circumstances.

It seemed he could not allow those scoundrels to live.

Just then, the enemy’s commander of knights charged forward, barking orders.

“Kill them! Today, no one is allowed to leave this place alive.”

“Eliminate them and erase all traces of their presence.”

“The enemy is just two people. They must not be allowed to escape!”

The enemies’ spear advanced menacingly close to Ian’s throat.

Then, at that precise moment, Ian shouted loudly so everyone could hear him.

“What are you all waiting for? Are you just going to stand by while the traitor runs rampant?”

That was the moment.

“Understood!”

Support rushed to Ian’s side.

Each person concealed their identity behind black masks.

The knight commander paled upon recognizing them.

“Black… Lion Knights?”

“The secret guard of King Eloin!”

All the soldiers who were charging with killing intent froze in their tracks.

But the Black Lion Knights did not stop.

“Those who defy His Majesty…”

“Will all be judged.”

The Black Lion Knights bared their fangs, ready for a fight.

***

“How could this have happened?”

Jarken could hardly believe the situation unfolding before his eyes.

It was natural; the sight was utterly chaotic.

“Gahhh!”

“Please… Deputy Chairman, save me. Ahh!”

His knights were being overwhelmed right before him.

Worse still, his carefully assembled thousand soldiers, meant to support Cantum, were falling one after another.

The enemies were clearly outnumbered in numbers.

But their overwhelming skill was undeniable.

A woman wielding a massive greatsword.

A man swinging a whip armed with blades.

And adept dual-wielders moving with the agility rivaling Nathan’s.

Ian and Nathan barely moved at all.

‘Only three men. How can three men take out that many men?’

However, these three ruthlessly cut down soldiers and knights alike.

Five knights from other noble houses had already lost their lives.

Jarken was drenched in sweat, not just from the loss of troops.

‘W-Why are the Black Lion Knights…’

They were known to be even more ruthless and merciless than the Blood Lion Knights.

They never spare enemies.

Most importantly, they were those who only received orders from King Eloin.

‘Could it be… my involvement with the forged royal decree has been exposed? Are they targeting me now?’

Jarken could think of nothing else.

Thus, he was able to make a swift decision.

‘I must save my son at all costs. The family cannot fall.’

He was sure the Queen would do something if he could end it with his own life.

So he shouted desperately.

“Everyone, stop!”

“!”

With the battle momentarily halted, he turned to Ian, offering a smile.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding. I have never committed treason.”

“Then what about these people pointing their swords at me right now?”

“They acted out of loyalty to defend me. Please forgive them.”

“?”

Everyone, including Ian, was dumbfounded.

But Jarken quickly shouted.

“What are you doing? Lower your weapons this instant and beg for mercy from the prince!”

“Deputy Chairman Jarken?”

“Oh! Can’t you hear me? Are you truly willing to disregard not only the royal family but me too?”

“???”

The soldiers, bewildered, lowered their weapons.

They naturally knelt before him.

Jarken smiled as he gestured towards them.

“Look. They are all loyal subjects to Kaistein.”

It was then that a voice broke through.

“F-Father! Why are you doing this? He’s just a bastard, a mere pawn to be used and discarded.”

“Mind your words!”

“Be it the Third Princess or whatever. How could you, father, side with a bastard born of a lowly mother…”

“Enough! He is the one who carries His Majesty’s decree after all.”

“Wait, what?”

Jarken’s son was truly embarrassed.

‘To bow down to that guy.’

His eyes, filled with malice, were fixed on Ian.

But Jarken paid no mind and approached Ian directly.

“It may be a misunderstanding, but I shall obey His Majesty’s orders. Please arrest me immediately.”

He extended his hands.

It was a clear plea to have his hands bound.

Ian smirked.

“You’re quite quick to grasp the situation.”

“Thank you. Haha.”

The scene seemed to be unfolding smoothly, with the Black Lion Knights having disarmed and subdued the remaining knights and soldiers.

Only Jarken and his son remained standing.

But just as everything seemed under control, a sudden turn of events occurred.

“However… it seems your son isn’t as perceptive,” Ian pointed out.

“What?”

Ian swung the royal sword.

Swish!

In an instant, a man’s head flew into the air.

Jarken screamed, “My son!!!”

Ian calmly wiped the blood off his blade, whispering.

“It’s because he didn’t drop his weapon. You see, I’m far more timid than I appear.”

“W-What reason could you have for killing my son?”

Jarken, frenzied, heard Ian’s voice seep into his ears.

“Do you want to spare those who not only insulted the royal family by harming my younger sister but also tried to use it for their advantage?”

Jarken was momentarily speechless.

The cold, menacing voice sent chills down his spine, making him break out in a cold sweat.

But Ian’s revenge didn’t end there.

Clang!

He bound Jarken’s arms and tied him to the horse.

Then he kicked the Blue Emperor’s stomach.

“I’m taking you to the king like this.”

“W-Wait a moment!”

Jarken didn’t have the time to mourn for his son’s death.

In an instant, he began to be dragged away by the galloping horse, the Blue Emperor.

***

While Ian was taking Jarken to the royal palace, the king and Duke Lavaltor took care of the others.

In the blink of an eye, all those involved with the blank royal decree were swiftly arrested and brought before the royal family.

However, King Eloin’s expression was one of disbelief as he looked at Ian.

It was no surprise.

“How did he end up like this?”

It was none other than Deputy Chairman Jarken.

He had fainted due to being dragged along the ground.

It looked as if he had been tortured by someone.

But Ian calmly spoke.

“Not only did he resist his duty as a vassal and raise his sword against me, he even insulted my younger sister beyond tolerance.”

“Insulted her?”

“He was plotting to arrange a marriage between his son and my sister.”

“What?”

The king’s eyebrows twitched.

His expression asked why he had been allowed to live.

Ian was about to explain that it was the reason he had beheaded the son.

“Even so, this isn’t right.”

The First Princess stepped in front of him.

Her expression was not good; it seemed she had a lot of discontent regarding Ian’s actions.

“The royal family’s affairs must follow a certain procedure…”

“When a marriage proposal was mentioned, he said you are too old, sister, and the second sister has a nasty temperament, so they said it wouldn’t work. That’s why I showed the royal family’s dignity instead.”

“It’s true that sometimes rules are not upheld. Well done.”

“!”

Nathan, watching from the side, had a bewildered expression.

The recent actions of the king and the First Princess had been exactly the same.

But that wasn’t what mattered at the moment.

‘Now there’s just one left.’

That was the queen.

It was time to deal with the woman who was behind it all.

With that thought, Ian slowly headed toward the queen’s palace.