“Then, is the reason why you also dislike that man…?”
“That’s not the only reason, but it’s definitely one of them.”
Weig covered his face with both hands. “A high priest like Uruwon Luce and an Honorary Knight are both guys like that. What in the world is going to happen to the Karuwimans?”
“No, this is actually good news.” Although she couldn’t hide the unsettlement in her voice, Lubella said calmly, “Even if we continue to lament about this matter, it’s not like the rotten parts of Karuwiman will just disappear. We would have to cut them out, and fortunately for us, we have Sir Zich to help us.”
“That’s true.” Weig nodded. Rather than being a clueless idiot, it was better to face the harsh reality, no matter how dark the truth was. Then, Weig turned to Zich and asked, “Could you help us, Sir Zich?”
Weig’s blazing eyes stared at Zich. The sparks in them said the words that needed to be said.
“Of course. If I learn more information, I will tell you both immediately,” Zich said, thinking of the Princess who was probably busily teaching Lyla about the ruins. “However, I suggest you both not act immediately since we have no evidence. Honestly, I’m very surprised you both believe in me without a doubt.”
“That’s how great everything you have accomplished so far is.”
“I will gladly accept such praise from Karuwiman’s greatest holy knight. If you want to cut off Karuwiman’s rotten parts, both of you should just secretly prepare to act when necessary. The truth will come to light when this war is over anyway.” With it, Glen’s influence over the Karuwimans would come to an end.
‘Whether it’s his arms, legs, fingers, or toes, I’m going to cut them all off, one by one.’ Zich imagined Glen’s sullen expression and leisurely placed his teacup to his lips.
“We will do that. I also will keep an eye on Luce in secret. I’m sure he will show some movements if he is trying to use this chance to gain some merits.”
“That’s a good idea.” Zich also didn’t know how Luce would act from now on after the Karuwimans declared neutrality since the Karuwimans had participated in the fight against Steelwall with Glen’s recommendation before the regression. Thus, he didn’t disagree with Weig’s claim to spy on Luce.
“Then, let’s wrap things up here,” Zich said and placed his empty cup down. “We will make it so that those guys won’t earn anything from this war. Nothing at all.”
Zich’s eyes sparkled.
* * *
After separating from Lubella and Weig, Zich went to where his horse was. He had many tasks to do right now, such as checking up on Lyla, the Princess, and the state of the seed he had planted not long ago. However, while he was on his way, someone stood in his path and blocked him.
“Mr. Zich!” It was Glen Zenard. He looked like a nervous wreck, barely managing to keep his emotions on hold from exploding. In comparison, Zich appeared to be at complete ease.
“Oh, I didn’t expect to see you here, Mr. Zenard. What is it? Was there something you couldn’t grasp in the meeting just now? It’s nothing us two can really argue about since the Pope already told us—”
“I don’t care about such little things!”
‘To describe today’s meeting as ‘such little things…’ Glen’s remark clearly showcased his current emotional state. The meeting’s main issue was one that could put an end to the family that Zich, whom he detested so much, used to belong to; it was something that should’ve kept Glen awake for several nights in excitement. Yet, Glen had described the meeting as if it was nothing much, which meant that there was something more that shook up his mentality. Zich could clearly guess what that was.
“Then what else can I do for you?”
“Is it true that you provided the method to block the city sacrifice ritual?”
As expected. Zich replied a bit exaggeratedly, “Yes, I did. I was very glad to lend a helping hand to hinder those dirty Bellids' ill-doings.”
“Where did you learn such a method!” Glen stepped closer and asked as if he wanted to eat Zich alive. Zich backed away the same amount of distance Glen approached him. Zich obviously didn’t welcome Glen approaching him even a tiny bit closer.
“I learned it by coincidence from someone. But why do you ask that?”
“Who was the person?!”
Glen was clearly acting rudely, demanding Zich to blurt out information on the spot. With an attitude like that, Zich would have refused to tell Glen even the smallest, menial details like what he ate for yesterday's dinner, but this time, Zich answered gently.
“A very kind person told me. A person so kind, she would cry even as her enemy died. However, she was also foolish because she followed another person foolishly without knowing that she was being tricked.”
“What I’m asking for isn’t such abstract descriptions!” Glen shouted angrily, even though Zich went through the trouble of answering him. Yet, Zich still didn’t get annoyed and only struggled to hold in laughter that was about to burst at any moment.
“Then, what kind of information do you want?”
“I want the exact description of the person who shared this method! Their name, nationality, place of residence, and so on!” Glen looked clearly desperate as he didn’t even show the basic etiquette of providing the reason for his curiosity.
Zich didn’t blame him, and he just simply replied, “I don’t want to tell you.” Zich had to hold his tongue from adding, ‘You idiot, do you think I’d tell you all that?’
Glen’s desperate face froze, and the next moment, it turned all red. “…Are you joking with me?”
“I think you’re the one who is joking around. You just suddenly grabbed onto me while I was passing by, and you’re trying to force me to spit out information. Perhaps, do you want us to start the upcoming war right here?”
Glen faltered when Zich spoke with a threatening voice. It seemed like he finally realized their circumstances. Even though no one was around them, they were still inside Yuras. People would begin gathering around them if they caused a bit more commotion. Considering the topic at hand, this was not advantageous for Glen.
“…I apologize for my rude behavior. I was too agitated.”
“I don’t need your apology. Mr. Glen, I’m a bit busy right now, so if you may, please move away.”
“If you tell me the identity of the person who taught you how to stop the sacrificial ritual, I’ll immediately move.”
“I just told you. I refuse.”
“Would it really not be possible?”
“Certainly not. What if that information leaks and the Bellids attack that person?”
“I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
‘Hell yeah, you would. Rather than believing you, it’s more plausible that the Bellids would begin building their temples next to fire pits.’ How could he believe someone whose very existence was a lie?
Zich continued, “Even then, I can’t. If I make exceptions like this, information would leak out one way or another and spread in an instant. I’m not keeping this information from just you, as I have no intentions of revealing the identity of this person to anyone else. Since I didn’t reveal this information to even Lady Lubella and Sir Weig, why would you be any different?”
Glen bit his lips when Zich said he didn’t reveal this information to even Lubella and Weig because he knew that Zich would never reveal this information to him.
“…I understand.” Then, Glen finally moved away. “In my desperate desire to meet the person who made such an amazing method, I’ve acted discourteously to you. I apologize once again.”
‘This punk, he’s backing away way too easily?’ Perhaps, did he give up? However, Zich was sure that Glen hadn’t given up. ‘He must be plotting something.’
It was easy to predict Glen’s next actions, and Zich could roughly guess what he was plotting.
“Then, let’s see each other next time.” Zich slightly bowed his head towards Glen and went on his way.
Glen intently stared at Zich’s back. ‘I need to find that person at all costs!’ Even though this timeline was filled with numerous variables, it was a completely different story if the method to stop the sacrificial ritual had already appeared so early. If everything had gone to plan, Lubella should have come up with this method after Glen had helped her out in various ways.
‘Now that I think about it, they said there was a variable that changed Zich Moore.’ Did that ‘person’ also teach Zich something? ‘I need to force that guy to spit out information.’
Glen had to utilize every method possible even while giving up on this timeline.
‘This is actually good, since I need to meet him on the battlefield soon anyway.’ Glen could show off his superior power and beat up Zich and force him to spit out information then. ‘I failed to make him the last pawn for me to defeat. There’s no reason for me to let him be.’
Most of all, it was annoying that Zich beat him and was being treated like a hero by those around him when he was the true hero. Even though this was a failed timeline, there should only be one hero admired by the whole world.
‘I’m going to eliminate him this time.’ Murderous intent gleamed in Glen’s eyes.
* * *
While Zich was crushing Glen’s pitiful plan in Yuras, the Steelwall Estate was thoroughly preparing for the upcoming war. However, considering that the surrounding forces were disassociating themselves from Steelwall, their preparation was far from easy. Around that time, a person came to visit the Steelwall mansion.
“Marquess Rouge sent you?” Count Steelwall stared at the man in front of them.
“Yes, sir.” The man politely replied to Count Steelwall.
Count Steelwall made an extremely delighted expression. Since most of his connections were trying to keep a distance from him, he was overjoyed that a high-ranking noble such as Marquess Rouge had sent an envoy to him.
Naturally, he brimmed with hope. “All right. So why has Marquess Rogue sent you here?”
“The Marquess has heard that the situation here is quite dire.”
“I wish that I could tell you with full confidence that Steelwall will be completely fine, but I don’t even have the leisure to make such a bluff right now. It is as you say. We are in an extremely dire situation.” The Count already received news that the Flaud Estate had allied with the surrounding estates and built a formidable army. However, the Steelwalls could only fight with their own forces.
“As expected, the situation is grim. It’s extremely unfortunate.”
“Yes, considering the situation, I’m extremely grateful that Marquess Rogue has sent an envoy here. Perhaps, is he planning to support us?” Count Steelwall didn’t beat around the bush and directly asked the man. Even though he was hopeful, he was also fearful that the man might have come for an entirely different reason.
However, fortunately for the Count, the man nodded. “Yes. Marquess Rogue has decided to aid Steelwall.”
“Oh, ooh! Is that true?!” The Count jumped up. It looked as if he might immediately go and hug the man.
“Marquess Rogue has said that it’s extremely unfortunate that the whole kingdom is getting played around by an obvious conspiracy from foreign powers. As part of the same kingdom, it is only natural that we help out Count Steelwall.” Then the man added, “Most of all, since our benefactor, Sir Zich, has requested our help, it’s only natural that we give our support.”