― Vwoom.

A crimson radiance leaked from Erich's eyes as he sat at the table. The vivid, glowing particles that seeped out then flashed and fell to the floor.

"Hm."

Since his fight with Milon, Erich felt that the power of his "eyes" had grown stronger.

The Swordmaster's authority—"the eyes"—depended not only on the amount of aura within, but even more on the ability to draw it out: concentration was crucial.

Milon, the strongest opponent Erich had faced since his regression, was powerful enough that Erich had to raise his concentration to the limit. Thanks to that, it seemed the power of his "eyes" had also increased.

'It was worth using awakened vision again after so long.'

To a Swordmaster, "the eyes" functioned as a kind of aura switch. Depending on how much a Swordmaster could wield them, not only could they unleash massive aura, but they could also manifest unique abilities.

The 'awakened vision' Erich used this time was one of the Swordmaster's powers. By pushing the eyes into a sort of overload, it allowed him to perceive his opponent's actions to a near-prophetic degree.

Normally, even for a Swordmaster, this ability could only be gained after long years of training, but Erich had found a way to flip it on and off for brief moments. Even a short burst was enough to seize overwhelming superiority.

However, even so, using the "eyes" excessively like this without preparation did place a burden on his body.

Had he tested this in a situation with more risk, something dangerous might have happened.

In that sense, Milon was the perfect opponent—a kind of milestone that told Erich exactly how strong he'd become since his regression, and what he was still lacking.

'... Next, I'll be able to use 'that'.'

As Erich considered the next power of the "eyes" that would be unlocked,

someone burst through the door.

― Kwaang!

"Y-young master!"

It was his attendant, Finn. Erich guessed that Finn must've heard something unsettling.

"Looks like you're bringing bad news."

"N-now is not the time for jokes, sir. Rumors have spread all throughout the mansion...."

"Her soldiers have started to move, haven't they?"

"How did you know?"

"At this point, there's only one strategy left for the grand duchess."

"... Excuse me?"

Erich had already predicted it up to here.

Originally, the grand duchess must have intended to use Milon to dispose of Erich. Once that plan failed, it was already a foregone conclusion that Erich would defeat Ludwig in the final.

The very moment Erich used the power of the Swordmaster—that was the turning point.

Now, not only did Ludwig have no chance of winning, but the eldest son's position as heir was in serious jeopardy.

Such was the impact of the emergence of a Swordmaster within Krupp—needless to say, it was tremendous.

Thus, there was only one method left for the grand duchess: to take Erich's life.

No matter that Erich had become a Swordmaster—she had no other options. In fact, she must have felt that now was the only chance to nip him in the bud before he matured fully.

If soldiers converged on Erich, it would present a real threat to him.

"If you knew that, how can you be so calm?"

"I've already solved it."

"Excuse me? When...?"

Finn trailed off. Erich gave him a hint.

"The soldiers moving under the grand duchess's command—what unit are they from?"

"Well, that's...."

With a puzzled look, Finn realized what Erich meant. His face brightened with surprise and understanding.

"If you take Heinkel from the grand duchess, those soldiers won't be able to do anything!"

"Do you think I demanded Heinkel from the grand duchess just to spite her, Finn?"

"Forgive me, sir. I thought it was just that."

"Heh, actually, that's partly true. There were other ways, but yes, getting back at her was a big part."

Finn's eyes widened in astonishment. He'd thought taking Heinkel was merely an excessive, rather pointless condition to provide as a reward for the Watch."

But now, it had become clear that taking Heinkel was the optimal way to tie up all the grand duchess's limbs.

It was the most tempting reward for the Watch, while at the same time sealing off the grand duchess's schemes.

Once Heinkel was granted to Erich, the soldiers of Heinkel could not turn their blades on their new master, Erich. Nominally, as lord of the fief and commanding officer, Erich would be the one they had to serve.

However, though Finn admired Erich's perfect plan, he tilted his head curiously.

"But young master, what if the grand duke refuses to grant Heinkel? We can't be sure he'll give you the territory, can we?"

"He'll grant it if I request it."

"You seem quite certain...?"

"That's because the pretext was created by 'Mother' herself."

"... Excuse me?"

Finn narrowed his eyes, puzzled. What pretext had the grand duchess created, and how would that make the grand duke inclined to grant Heinkel?

Even if the grand duchess lost Heinkel, she would clearly try to harm Erich, even at the cost of her own ruin. It was in her nature—she would never just let him go, no matter if she'd lost her fief and troops.

But Finn, watching his master, quietly raised the corners of his mouth. Whatever the case, everything was going according to the young master's plan.

His master was no longer the naive boy he once knew. He was now a man capable of manipulating even the cunning grand duchess in the palm of his hand.

So Finn decided to put his mind at ease. Whatever happened, he was confident Erich would have a plan prepared.

***

The mansion was in an uproar. Most of the servants were whispering about the incident at Iceborn, and the rumors were spreading everywhere inside and out.

In the midst of it all,

The Watch, clad in black cloaks, were hearing rumors of a different kind. Joseph, one of the Watch, glanced over at the servants and whispered to his subordinates.

"... Hmph. I should report this to Chief Konrad."

"Everyone's saying the grand duchess will do anything to kill the bastard son."

"Did you hear that from the maid you were flirting with earlier?"

The members cackled. Though the mood seemed light, Joseph realized this was no ordinary matter. Not only was it alarming that the grand duchess intended to resort to such extreme methods—the astonishing part was that the bastard son's prediction was coming true.

'So this is why he wanted to bring Heinkel to us. Lord Konrad was half in doubt, but...'

Joseph frowned. If Erich's plan was correct, they had something to prepare for. Most importantly, the crucial role in Erich's plan was precisely theirs.

― Kadangtang!

With a loud noise, one of the Watch was slammed against the wall. Instantly, everyone reached for their swords without hesitation.

"... He was so small I didn't notice. Forgive me."

A squad of Imperial Knights looked down on the Watch, their golden armor gleaming. Though the words were an apology, their lips curled in mockery.

It was blatant disrespect. The other Watch members looked ready to jump into a fight.

"You little...."

"Let's move on."

Joseph gave them a gentle smile. The Imperial Knights snorted as if expecting this, then quickened their pace.

"Senior, are you just going to let them off?"

"They've been treating us like trash ever since we backed down last time."

Joseph noticed his men's faces were not in the mood for patience. Indeed, he himself disliked the Imperial Knights.

Though the knights were a chosen order, their arrogance was sky-high. Joseph was just as eager as anyone to give them a beating.

However—

"Leave it. If we step up now, we'll ruin everything."

"... If we're going to hit them anyway, why not now?"

"Shut it."

Joseph gave a sharp glare. Of all things, they absolutely must not attract attention during this plan. Konrad had specifically drilled that into him.

― Screeeeak.

Joseph signaled for his subordinates to enter their room. Inside, chief Konrad at his desk furrowed his brow.

"It's noisy outside."

"We had a clash with the grand duchess's tin cans."

"Hmph...."

Konrad put down his quill and stared at his men. The one who'd hit the wall rubbed his sore shoulder.

"You held back well."

"There's a lot of discontent among the members. Ever since we backed down in that fight, they've been picking on us at every turn."

"So Joseph. Do you want to beat them yourself?"

"... I nearly drew my sword when I heard them calling us the 'bread cart' the other day."

"Kukuku."

Konrad quietly smiled. The Watch, as an organization, was never respected inside the Empire.

Yet, if not respect, they were at least feared. But for his department—the "supply unit"—they were not only disrespected but outright treated with contempt.

The Imperial Knights knew this, and that only made them all the more disparaging.

"... It's not funny. Our kids' pride is getting seriously scraped."

"Sorry, sorry. Well, I am the quartermaster after all. I find it kind of amusing, honestly."

"It was funny at first, but lately I just feel insulted. Those morons...."

"Joseph. Do you remember what the bastard son said here?"

"Yes. I remember."

― Screeeak.

Konrad leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"When the bastard son first proposed these terms, I only half-believed him. He was a Swordmaster, so I thought he'd easily win the tournament and—well, if he just joined the Watch, it'd be my greatest success since joining myself."

"... And yet, events are playing out exactly as he predicted."

"Right. The grand duchess is moving Heinkel's troops. She knows the grand duke can't interfere, since they're technically her own fief's soldiers."

"That's why he decided to take Heinkel away and give it to us... do you think?"

"Too perfect to be a coincidence, isn't it?"

Konrad wore a faint smile. Still, Joseph felt chills down his spine. Could a human's prediction truly be this accurate?

"... Unless he can see the future itself."

"If so, he'd be a prophet, not a Watch member. But I agree: he's sharp to a frightening degree. He's someone the Watch must absolutely take."

"Alive, that is."

"Indeed, alive. And his foresight isn't finished yet. In the final stage, that's where we're needed."

Konrad met the gazes of his men. There was a murderous gleam in their eyes. Erich's plan to join the Watch—they had a simple role in that strategy.

Clash with the Imperial Knights. And slaughter every last one of them.

The Watch's resolve only burned hotter, fueled by the knights' tyranny.

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】

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