The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 39: The Crack (1)

“Where are the others?”

“Wilhelm von Fezek and Oliver von Bitenfeld arrived just a while ago.”

“I see. By the way, you can relax and just call me ‘Father’ for now. There’s no need to keep formalities between just the two of us.”

“Understood, Father.”

“That’s much better. But, have you been eating well? You look rather worn out.”

“I’m more worried about you, Father. You’ve grown more white hair than before.”

Kalain gazed at Mateus with concern.

His once vivid red hair, resembling flames, had turned noticeably white in many places.

It was the clearest sign of the immense stress Mateus was under due to the current situation.

“Hoo.”

Mateus let out a light sigh at his only son’s concern.

He then moved his right index finger slightly.

Woom.

The space around them shimmered, and a barrier unfolded, encircling the two.

Even though no one else was nearby, they couldn’t afford to be careless.

The conversation they were about to have was not something they wanted overheard by others.

“Has the heir been going back and forth between the dungeon and the Tyrant’s Chamber continuously?”

“Yes. He’s been so diligent that it’s hard to even catch a glimpse of him. Because of that, his reputation among adventurers is soaring day by day.”

“The heir certainly knows how to win over the hearts of the public. With this, the citizens will undoubtedly offer him strong support.”

“The public, you say?”

“…It seems you still need some time to catch up to the heir, Kalain.”

There was a note of disappointment in Mateus’ quiet tone.

Kalain’s expression hardened at this realization.

His own father, whom he respected, had just declared that he was inferior to Martin.

A surge of anger briefly flared up, but Kalain suppressed it with effort.

He couldn’t show more weakness to the father who had already expressed his disappointment.

Knowing how his son felt, Mateus continued without mentioning Martin further.

“Adventurers usually operate within dungeons, but that’s not all there is to it, as you’re well aware.”

“Yes. I understand that stabilizing areas beyond the influence of nobles and protecting commoners are also part of their duty.”

“Exactly. So, adventurers, especially those who aren’t of noble birth, naturally tend to be close to commoners. This is only natural since most adventurers are commoners themselves. What’s important here is that they wield considerable influence over the citizens.”

“…I understand now. When you said the heir’s reputation is rising among adventurers, it means the commoners will start to support him as well. That’s why you mentioned the public.”

“Precisely.”

Mateus nodded with a faint smile.

While Kalain’s narrow perspective was a flaw, he still had the potential to be an excellent ruler.

Knowing this, Mateus desperately wanted to fulfill the long-standing wish of their family during his time.

He believed that his son could lead the new Adalbert family magnificently.

“Ever since the start of the Age of Magic, various weapons have been developed, allowing even commoners to participate in battles. While they can’t match the nobility, their sheer numbers made their combat prowess impossible to ignore. Knowing this, they’ve begun to demand their rights more assertively.”

“I don’t intend to disregard the commoners entirely. But no matter how much they clamor, they can’t change the grand scheme of things, can they?”

“You’re right, they don’t have the power to alter the course of history. But they can certainly cement the path that’s already been decided.”

“Ah…”

“The heir was quick to notice that this monster wave is different from the past ones. That’s why he took a bold move by waiving the usual fees to gather adventurers swiftly. As a result, the Adalbert territory has suffered little to no damage compared to other regions.”

“…To the people of the Adalbert estate, the heir is already no different from the head of the family.”

“That’s right. And that’s why I’m so concerned. If things go wrong, we may fail to fulfill the family’s long-held ambition during our time.”

“I understand now what’s been worrying you, Father. But I think you’re overthinking it.”

Kalain’s voice rose just a little.

Mateus didn’t point it out but simply stared at his son intently.

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes, our family’s alliance with the Bitenfeld and Fezek families is still solid. Although Elder Oriana has left, the other elders continue to support us. And, Father, you also have connections with the central nobility. I don’t believe the heir can overcome all of that.”

“That’s what Valdemar thought, too, before the heir defeated him in the blink of an eye.”

“That’s…”

“We must now acknowledge the truth. The heir has what it takes to become the true ruler of this vast territory. I’ll do everything I can to stop him, of course. But aside from that, remember this well: now is the time to lie low.”

“…Understood.”

Mateus gave his son’s shoulder a light pat and began walking toward the White Dragon Chamber.

He reminded himself to stay out of Martin’s sight as much as possible.

However, his intentions were soon shattered.

It already irked him that Martin was late.

But what truly irritated him wasn’t that.

Step, step.

Despite his tardy arrival, Martin didn’t seem to care about the reactions of those around him.

Even Sien, who arrived with him, casually stood behind Vincent without a care.

Meanwhile, Martin, with an air of confidence, made his way forward and seated himself in the White Dragon Seat as if it were the most natural thing to do.

From his position, he looked down at everyone gathered in the White Dragon Chamber.

With a bright smile, as if he found the whole situation amusing.

‘This is going to be an unpleasant time.’

Mateus sighed inwardly.

* * *

The White Dragon Chamber was filled with many people.

But Martin’s attention was focused on only a few.

‘This is nice.’

Martin smiled genuinely.

Mateus von Gustin, Oliver von Bitenfeld, Wilhelm von Fezek.

And then Elders Aren, Marius, and Oriana.

Just a couple of months ago, these were the ones who openly looked down on him.

But now, what were they doing?

All of them wore expressions like they had swallowed something foul, looking up at him without uttering a single complaint.

They had fully realized that the tables had turned.

‘Of course, they had no choice.’

He had stopped Valdemar von Rustal’s rebellion.

Furthermore, he had been the first to predict the unprecedented monster wave, minimizing the damage.

His bloodline and unique abilities alone were enough to qualify him as head of the family, but now, he had added tremendous merit to that as well.

The tide had turned completely, and because of that, the others had lost any chance of seating themselves in the White Dragon Seat under normal circumstances.

There were only two options left: surrender and submit, or rise in rebellion.

Of course, he knew well that they would choose the latter.

“Well, first, I must apologize for being late. The situation in the dungeon has been so dire that I lost track of time. I’m truly sorry.”

Martin slightly bowed his head as he leaned forward in his chair.

At a glance, it looked like a respectful gesture, but both Martin and those receiving it knew the truth.

This act was mockery.

Still, the elders and branch family heads maintained their composure.

In contrast, those who followed them trembled in fury.

Realizing their mistake, they quickly reined in their emotions.

“Well, let’s begin the meeting in earnest.”

Even though he was seated in the White Dragon Seat, Martin was still just the heir.

Within the Adalbert family, his rank was still equal to that of the elders and the branch family heads.

Until he received an official title, he had to maintain proper decorum.

“Over the past two days, much information has been revealed. You’re all likely aware by now that this monster wave is on an entirely different level than the previous ones.”

In Varehein City and three other dungeon cities within the Altaria Empire, monster waves had erupted simultaneously.

The monsters’ aggression and combat abilities had become terrifyingly enhanced.

Varehein City, fortunately, suffered less damage thanks to Martin’s swift actions in rallying the adventurers to form defensive lines. However, the other cities were in chaos, with countless casualties and widespread confusion.

“However, mere defense won’t be enough.”

“I agree with the heir. The only way to resolve this situation is to destroy the core. The problem is, this time, the circumstances are different.”

Though dungeons were vast, finding the core was relatively easy.

The floor where the core manifested would always have a distinct change in its landscape, making it impossible to miss.

Until now, the members of the Adalbert family or adventurers would descend through the dungeon, defeating monsters along the way, and eventually locate and destroy the core.

But this time, that wasn’t possible.

The monsters had grown far too strong.

It would be fortunate if the core was located above the 20th floor.

Even though the monsters had become more powerful, they weren’t yet completely overwhelming.

The problem arose if the core was below that.

If it was deeper, the lack of manpower could result in severe damage, forcing a retreat.

“I agree. The monsters have grown so strong that it’s difficult even to descend through the floors. Naturally, finding the core would be even harder.”

“I’m glad you recognize the situation. Instead of hastily descending, it would be wiser to focus on defense and amass our forces.”

Vincent’s suggestion was reasonable.

But Martin had no intention of following it.

‘I already know where it is.’

That was what mattered.

And information had to be used to one’s advantage.

“Vincent, you’re right. But the more we delay, the more civilians will suffer. Not to mention the strain it will place on the finances of each family. I believe both the main and branch families need to take a more proactive role in resolving this crisis quickly.”

At his words, the elders and the branch family heads let out faint chuckles.

He was openly calling for their sacrifice.

Of course, they had no intention of doing that.

‘It’s not like I want the dungeon or Varehein City to be utterly destroyed, but that doesn’t mean I’ll help him.’

‘First, we’ll wear down both Martin’s and Vincent’s forces as much as possible. Our own forces can move after that.’

Bringing Martin down from his current position, where he had already solidified his influence, wouldn’t be easy.

Thus, they needed him to make a grave mistake.

One so catastrophic that it would wipe out all his achievements to date.

Naturally, Martin had no illusions about their true intentions, and he didn’t expect them to take his bait so easily.

‘But will they be able to maintain that stance once I throw them a real lure?’

Martin was certain they wouldn’t.

With that in mind, he cast the bait.

“As you know, it’s a noble’s duty to reward those who achieve merit. Therefore, I propose that whoever destroys the core will be granted the former territory of the Rustal family and be made its lord.”

“Gasp!”

“A lord?!”

As soon as Martin finished speaking, the room erupted into chaos.

And understandably so.

This was an opportunity to become not just a titleholder without land, but a true noble with their own domain.

The elders, in particular, couldn’t hide their shocked expressions.

After all, what had driven them to work with the branch family heads against Martin in the first place?

It was to gain lands and become true nobles themselves.

Now, the moment they had longed for had arrived, and it was no surprise that they were shaken.

“But that’s not all. The new lords will be independent of the Adalbert family. Of course, as northern nobles, you won’t be entirely free from the influence of the Adalbert family as your liege, but you will hold significant autonomy.”

With that declaration, it was impossible for the elders not to waver.

Every territory in the Empire already had an owner, and it wasn’t as if they could embark on an expedition to seize lands from another nation.

Given the circumstances, this offer was a rare and valuable opportunity, making it the perfect tool to sway the elders.

And Martin had prepared a separate lure for the branch family heads.

He shifted his gaze toward the remaining three, excluding Vincent, and spoke again.

“I also have an additional proposal for the heads of the branch families. Should one of you destroy the core, I will immediately sever the master-servant relationship between us. I’ll grant your independence. And, of course, you’ll also be given the Rustal family’s former territory and a recommendation for elevation in rank.”

Twitch.

The branch family heads were visibly shaken as well.

‘Let’s see if you can suppress your greed.’

There was no way they could.

Martin smiled inwardly.

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