The Terminally Ill Young Master is the Mad Dog of the Underworld
Chapter 284

[Translator - Pot ]

[Proofreader - Kawaii ]

Chapter 284: That Sword Perhaps

The 8th Prince left first, and we walked in silence, organizing our thoughts.

'Perhaps Father had been thinking this far ahead all along.'

The reason he had to prevent the clan's division.

Even though he clearly possessed overwhelming power to dominate the entire duchy, he deliberately embraced Bergen and Agrippa and left the Black Society forces intact.

'It was all to preserve the duchy's total strength.'

When the decisive moment came, he could weed out internal enemies and unite them with minimal losses.

'The annihilation of Eisenach was probably an unexpected incident that occurred as a result of the Black Society's retaliation during that process.'

But once we complete our revenge for Eisenach, all the mountain people of the Virgenhrid Mountains will return to our forces.

'Even without them, the forces that Verdzig and I have gathered under our respective banners have already reached a level where we can intervene in the succession struggle between the princes.'

Let me review my forces once more.

'First, there's the personal guard and retainer group, Zizek and Nagan from the Bisakino Brotherhood, Kreutzel and Mother and Knut, support from Balthazar, plus support from the Red Mist Alliance.'

There's also Rudgarda and the Special Operations Division Grand Commander, Karl and Ulbhild's Count Visquera clan standing as our allies.

'Venion is, hmm.'

He'd probably remain close to neutral, but I don't doubt he'd stick something in from behind.

'Still, he's my teacher after all.'

If he has any conscience, he should help out a bit.

Besides, I currently hold the position of an operative in the Shadow Division, don't I? Even though I haven't actually done anything there, anyway.

And that's not the end of it.

'The assassination clan Svaltalfar, Young Lady Siena and the Valkenhain Duchy, Count Kaillen Webern and Pergrin clan.'

Now that I've laid it out, it's truly a formidable force.

'What the hell, I've been living pretty diligently all this time?'

Indeed, with Pergrin's forces, Grunewald's support, and help from external alliances, we were able to easily defeat the once-prosperous Marquis Belorok's army.

If Verdzig and I joined forces, even an alliance between the 3rd Prince and the Black Society would find it difficult to take us lightly.

'But their forces aren't to be underestimated either.'

Not only does he hold the power of the two count clans, Bergen and Agrippa...

The forces he possesses should be considered the duchy's finest.

'Moreover, with his martial prowess still superior to mine, his position as commander of one battalion of the royal guard, the forces of the vampire clan including Skella Recrusa, a top-tier assassin...'

He's surely hiding additional reserves I don't know about.

With that wealth, he could hire more mercenary companies and underworld swordsmen.

"Allen."

Verdzig's call broke through my long thoughts as I turned my head.

"Have you organized your thoughts?"

I nodded.

"Yes, to some extent."

"Now let's share our thoughts with each other."

"Good."

"What would be the worst-case scenario we could assume?"

"Us failing, and the royal family falling into the hands of the 3rd Prince and the Black Society."

I answered.

"If that happens, Grunewald would be surrounded by enemies both inside and outside. The considerable distance from Valkenhain is also a problem."

"Correct."

"With the current structure, Count Webern's territory could fill that intermediate link."

Verdzig spoke as if he understood what I meant without hearing the rest.

"But if the 3rd Prince publicly declares us enemies in the name of the royal family, the story would be different."

"Right."

"Lords from all regions would step forward to surround us and cut off the waterways. Then it would be perfect isolation."

"That's why we must definitely defeat the 3rd Prince."

"The problem is..."

Verdzig turned his head toward the sky that had begun to darken and the horizon spread beneath it.

Beyond there, Flanders and the Black Society that had seized control of it lurked, watching us.

"The Black Society will be watching us, so advancing and marching out like this wouldn't be the best strategy."

"That's why I've been thinking of something."

"What is it?"

I proposed.

"How about we launch a diversionary operation?"

"How?"

"First, I'll strike at Grimnar Angantyr."

"!"

"Everyone in the kingdom knows about the grudge between Grimnar and me. If I, having now accumulated sufficient strength, set out on a revenge war?"

"The Black Society side would have no choice but to react. The motive is clear too."

Verdzig stroked his chin with interest.

"But they'll also know about the 8th Prince's whereabouts. Would they really believe at face value that we'd prioritize personal revenge in times like these?"

"That's, hmm."

It was a sharp point.

I thought for a moment before providing an answer.

"I think I'll need to ask Father and the Council of Elders for help. I'll ask them to act at the clan level, gathering resources, hiring mercenary companies, and 'pretending to prepare for all-out war.'"

"Hmm."

Verdzig crossed his arms.

"That's a good idea. What do you plan to do next?"

"As you know, the Virgenhrid Mountains stretch along the Lindela River. After subjugating Angantyr, I'll immediately sail north along the river."

I explained while drawing a map in the air.

"After arriving at Webern Port, I'll join forces with Young Lady Siena Valkenhain's troops who came south with the count's support. Then I'll advance toward the royal capital."

"Hm?"

Verdzig asked in surprise.

"Your friendship with the Young Lady is to that extent? You can secure Valkenhain's support at that level?"

"Uh..."

I blinked.

"Wouldn't it be? Since I helped her with the Schelde matter."

Anyway.

"While I'm advancing north like this, how about you secretly take to the sea and head toward the royal capital?"

"I was just thinking the same thing."

Verdzig nodded.

"The land route is too conspicuous so it's out of the question, and the coastline has too many watching eyes, so I'll have to take a slightly longer detour."

Verdzig stated his strategy.

"Then I'll get Father's permission to deploy royal guard forces. I'll also request support troops from the 1st Prince's side through the 8th Prince."

"What do you intend to use the 1st Prince's support troops for?"

I asked.

"I'll have them clean up the port in advance. After that, I'll need to complete the landing like lightning."

"What about after landing?"

Verdzig pointed to a spot in the air, using it as a map.

"There's a strategic point between Montera Ducal Castle and the royal capital that connects the main roads. I'll attack and occupy that fortress."

"Indeed. That way, even if they come to provide support, they'll be tied up at the fortress."

"While they're buying time, I'll head south at maximum speed to strike the royal capital."

"Timing it with my northward advance?"

"Of course. It would be difficult to defeat the royal family's forces with anything other than a coordinated attack rather than wave attacks."

"That's true."

I nodded and asked again.

"Isn't this fair for both sides? Whoever enters the capital faster and defeats the 3rd Prince's army first wins."

"We'll need to refine the detailed directions, but it makes sense."

"The more I think about it, the more ironic it is."

I said.

"A test where we compete with each other while also needing to cooperate closely."

"I agree. Isn't it quite exquisite?"

Verdzig chuckled.

"But it's not bad. After it's over, it'll be easier for us to accept each other's victory."

"There will be less lingering resentment."

"Moreover, with justification and clan support added, we just need to freely display our capabilities on the battlefield."

Right. Normally, attacking the royal capital would be impossible, but...

Now we've created a situation where we, as the 1st Prince's allies, are opposing the 3rd Prince.

Father and the Council of Elders would handle other diplomatic issues well.

"...Allen."

Verdzig suddenly changed his tone.

"Let's shake hands once."

What the fighting spirit in his eyes meant was clear.

"Shall we?"

Verdzig was suggesting we gauge each other's strength through a 'battle of internal mana.'

'There's no need to refuse this proposal.'

I drew upon the Seven Stars of the Black Sea Technique and the Dark Mana, then combined the mysteries of the Light Star Technique and the Ink Soul Sacred Shadow Technique to generate maximum power.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes."

Verdzig quietly extended his hand to me.

Though it appeared calm on the surface, tremendous internal mana must be boiling within that body.

"Take hold."

We grasped each other's hands.

Kugugugugugugugugugu!

Like a dam bursting, Verdzig's internal mana of tremendous density surged into my body.

'Wow, damn.'

It threatened to simultaneously destroy the density of the Ink Soul Sacred Shadow Technique, the absorption power of dark mana, and the stability of the Seven Stars of the Black Sea Technique.

'Is this the power of the Heaven-Dominating Limitless Technique?'

Indeed, it was a hegemonic and overwhelming force.

"Certainly, the Ink Soul Sacred Shadow Technique isn't completed yet."

Verdzig had enough leisure to speak while engaging in an internal mana battle with me.

"If you had entered the 3rd stage, you could have combined the Dark Soul Mana and Brilliant Spirit Mana into one to repel my internal mana."

'You know it in such detail, damn bastard.'

I wasn't even surprised anymore.

"Yes, this power is the Seven Stars of the Black Sea Technique. This power is the Dark Mana?"

I collided the dark soul mana and Brilliant Spirit Mana within my body, then used the explosive force created from that to knock away Verdzig's hand.

"Ah, was that unpleasant?"

Verdzig chuckled.

"To break free on your own, you've grown a lot. Now I'd say you've reached about my shoulder level."

...That statement was true.

"Not bad."

When Verdzig pointed to the ground, spiderweb-like cracks covered the area beneath our feet.

"Let's part ways here. It would be ridiculous to share too much conversation with an enemy before a decisive battle."

Watching Verdzig turn and leave, I spread my Black Wings and flew up into the sky.

"...So that's the technique I've only heard about."

Leaving Verdzig's words behind, I landed outside the annex where my retainers were waiting.

"Young master!"

"My lord, you've come out."

Looking at Peter and Olivier, who greeted me with voices half-filled with questions and half with joy, I said.

"Let's go back. I'll tell you the details when we get there."

Olivier, who had read my expression, replied.

"Yes, we'll escort you."

.

.

.

"Young master, what were you talking about for so long?"

I ruffled Peter's hair and sighed.

"It's a long story."

But the essence was ultimately simple.

'Whether to pass the final trial and become Duke Grunewald, or remain just a person with the surname Grunewald.'

For the revenge of Eisenach, and for the revenge of Karzan as well... I had to become Duke Allenvert Grunewald.

'Damn. This won't be easy.'

My right hand that had grasped his was still trembling finely.

* * *

Caw-

A black crow flew over the snow-covered mountains.

Spread below was a high and thick gate blocking the narrow path between the mountain ranges, the mountain castle of Clan Montera commonly called the 'North Wall.'

Above it, a giant wrapped in a fur cloak was gazing at the snowy landscape from a high place.

"Duke Montera."

And there was an old swordsman approaching that man.

"Lord Ivan."

Duke Montera looked at Ivan with sunken eyes.

"Did you receive contact from the captain of the royal guard?"

"I did."

"The decision?"

"What a ridiculous question. There was no choice from the beginning, was there?"

Ivan chuckled.

"That's true."

Ivan, directly receiving the killing intent from Duke Montera who seemed to want to cut his throat immediately, actually said this instead.

"I would have liked to compete with you once to see who was stronger, but I never thought we'd become allies like this."

"..."

The duke turned his back.

At this silent order to leave, Ivan casually departed while saying.

"Then prepare yourself. We'll need to set out within a few days."

Creak!

Only the rough sound of grinding teeth came as a response.

However, Duke Montera, already driven to the edge of a cliff, had only two choices left: become a traitor or become a meritorious retainer.

'How will you move, Grunewald. And Karzan.'

Now that the 8th Prince had fled to Grunewald, the Black Serpent Duke, having grasped the situation, would surely take some action.

'If possible, I'd like you to come directly, Karzan.'

Ivan thought of his old friend who had returned from beyond death.

'Could your sword kill me?'

If that were possible.

'That sword might even be able to reach the Dark King.'

[Translator - Pot ]

[Proofreader - Kawaii ]