Chapter 25 [Side Charles Vandale] A Late Realization
Start of Volume 2
"Ugh, how frustrating! Who is this Black-Robed Executor!"
In the heart of the royal capital Ridale, within the palace where the Vandale family resides.
Charles Vandale, upon receiving a report on the recent situation from his retainers, expressed his displeasure with a shout.
"Gale Bartley, a Paladin noble who has been close to the royal family. Wise Lowenthal, the head of the merchant guild who was a major source of funding. Local lord Dana Tempelar. And Klaus Elgenheim, the Archbishop of the Holy Church who was supposed to provide the raw materials for magic potions――all of them executed by the Black-Robed Executor!? This is ridiculous!"
Charles crushed the goblet in his hand in a fit of anger, but little did he know.
By the way, this goblet adorned with expensive jewels holds so much value that it could save many people, but that's not something Charles is aware of.
If the (plan for total domination of humanity) comes to fruition, all these trivial issues will be insignificant.
Charles muttered such words to himself.
A new world where all people kneel before the ruler or him and are governed by a new principle.
Charles named his plan to construct this new world the (plan for total domination of humanity).
To control everything in the world and manipulate it at will. For those in power, it's truly a utopia.
Some may consider having such thoughts as evil. No, there were indeed those who did.
Whether out of a sense of justice or something else, there were individuals who argued that power should be used to ensure that all people can live at least a basic human life equally.
"Ugh. It makes me sick."
For Charles, justice is evil. And those who uphold justice are always nuisances.
Charles thought to himself, questioning all the hypocrites who denounce the plan for total human domination as evil.
So, if he could reign over a utopia where everything moves in his favor, no rebels arise, he can control money, people, and freedom as he wishes, receive affection from any beautiful woman or handsome man, and all of this without being harmed or blamed by anyone, could he give it up to uphold a sense of justice?
Therefore, for Charles, justice is evil.
"Your Majesty... Is it not enough already?"
"...Huh?"
Charles glared at the retainer who spoke up with such words.
The retainer continued to voice objections to Charles' plan for total human domination.
"Conquering the surrounding countries and using (Droplet of Soma) to mentally control the people who have been brought under control... If you do such things, eventually even the god will abandon you――"
The retainer did not continue speaking beyond that point.
"Coward. If you dare say that my thoughts are wrong, even the god become my enemy."
Charles casually looked down at the pool of red blood spread out before him.
He wiped the blood off his sword and sheathed it.
"Oh well, you've killed him."
"...Was it Marc?"
A voice like that of a boy called out to Charles. No, not like a boy.
With golden hair like melted gold and a small stature, the appearance of the voice's owner, known as Mark, was truly that of a boy.
"Hey, it's not good to kill recklessly, you know? You're so impatient."
"I don't need to hear that from you, Marc."
"Oh, come on. In my case, I choose my targets carefully. Unlike you."
"...Marc, don't forget. We are in a cooperative relationship, but that's only because our interests align. I have kept you around because I deemed your job skills useful. If you show any intention of going against me, you will be my enemy."
"Alright, I understand. Your Majesty."
In the throne room, Charles' cold voice echoed, and Mark respectfully bowed.
"I'm not blaming you for killing Archbishop Klaus. However, there were beastmen present who could be used as raw materials for Droplet of Soma. Why didn't you capture them?"
"Don't be unreasonable. There was a Black-Robed Executor there. How could I win in my clone form?"
"Are they that strong?"
"It's not just about strength. They're about surpassing the limits of power that should be allowed to humans. They are truly the natural enemies sent by the god to us."
"..."
"Well, don't worry. There are other alternatives for the Droplet of Soma. There's no need to force a fight with the Black-Robed Executor――"
"No, that's not it..."
"...?"
"I was just thinking about what would happen if my son had that kind of power."
With a slightly self-deprecating smile, Charles muttered quietly.
Charles' sons... or rather, the princes.
Among them, up to the Seventh Prince, there was no one who could match Charles' job as the [Silver Sword Saint].
Although one of them was an absolute failure, so he was expelled from the royal family.
Even if he were to achieve the (plan for total domination of humanity), Charles thinks that what would leave him unsatisfied is not being able to leave descendants who could rival his own strength as successors.
"Hey, Charles. It's really hard to say, but..."
As if to shatter Charles' emotions, Marc reveals the truth.
"The true identity of the Black-Robed Executor is, in fact, your son."
"......Huh?"
Charles couldn't immediately grasp the meaning of those words and let out a dumbfounded voice.
"What do you mean...?"
"It's exactly as it sounds. It's because I met him before."
"Is that even possible! The Black-Robed Executor is my son!? All my sons are in the royal palace――"
"No, there was one more, right?"
"One more, there was? ...No way, ...no way!?"
As the possibility dawned on him, Charles involuntarily widened his eyes.
However, the words that Marc continued with became the worst proclamation for Charles.
"Yes. The true identity of the Black-Robed Executor is the seventh prince, Adel Vandale, whom you yourself exiled two years ago."
"That's... that's absurd――!"
Charles shouted as if rejecting the truth he had been told.
It's a lie, and――.
"There's no way that could happen," Adel thought to himself.
He couldn't believe that his son, whom he had deemed a failure and banished two years ago, was now posing a threat to him.
"You have to admit it, Charles. Your decision two years ago was definitely wrong."
"My decision... was wrong?"
Charles muttered in disbelief.
It was a regret that came too late.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)