Chapter 82 The One Who Inherits Neithardt
The Bezelus Empire.
The nation was formed similarly to Euphemia, arising from the merger of numerous small countries.
The decisive difference from Euphemia is that not all the countries came together by mutual agreement; rather, it was just one country among the small states that rapidly grew by annexing others through overwhelming military power.
It is precisely because of this Bezelus that an absolute single value system exists.
That power is justice.
As long as results follow, the process, no matter its form, should be respected.
"It seems Neithardt has messed up, doesn't it?"
It is precisely because of this Bezelus that Coras, the leader of the Golden Fox clan who originally belonged to another country, can have such a prominent presence in the imperial palace and smugly criticize others' failures with a lewd grin.
Feeling this way about Coras, the man inwardly scoffs.
──A small fry who only got close to the emperor with money from selling out his comrades is making a fuss.
"I don't mind. We've already received the magic tool technology they were researching as an advance payment. It turned out to be cheaper since we didn't have to take care of unnecessary incompetents in the empire."
"Advance payment? Are you talking about that still-snotty kid? Just a child who was pushed onto us because they can't be used in Neithardt - do you really think they'll be useful?"
"At the very least, they're better than a beast with nothing good about it besides money."
"Oh, that's harsh. Here I was, bringing some valuable information to Lord Caide, who is struggling with research."
"...What?"
The man called Caide's eyebrows twitched as he heard Coras' words.
The Coras smiled at him for his obvious reaction.
"It seems that the experimental "artificial demon" that Neithardt was researching has been sent from Ortria to Euphemia. Isn't this the perfect specimen to complete your "demon-constructed army concept" that you are pushing forward with?"
"...what do you want"
Coras of the Golden Fox clan gained favor with the Empire through the dark traders, but his true nature is more like a merchant than a warrior.
They are not the kind of people who would ever get involved in something that is not in their own interest.
With a wary look, Caide's eyes narrowed, but Coras only deepened his smile as if he had been waiting for this.
"It's simple. I'll arrange for the infiltration of Euphemia, and while you're at it, I want you to abduct some of the Emerald Cat clan as well. Their 'ability' could be worth more than the Blue Wolf if used in the right places."
In Coras's eyes, a grotesque mass of desire swelled.
He was a commoner, intoxicated by the thought of rising in status with the wealth he had amassed in this empire.
Indeed, even Caide, who had little interest in money, could easily imagine how difficult it must have been for this man to live in Euphemia, where the people valued living a simple and natural life, despite earning foreign currency through ocean trade and fishing.
However, trying to vent his frustration on his former comrades by turning them into money was despicable, and Caide couldn't help but see this man as nothing more than scum.
"Alright, I'll take that offer."
But at the same time, Caide was also a scumbag, unable to condemn such a despicable man.
Because right now, Caide was not feeling sympathy for the girl who had finally been freed from being a test subject, but rather a selfish gratitude.
──Thank you for surviving for my ambition, not perishing with Neithardt.
Seeing the dark desire in Caide's eyes, Coras nodded with satisfaction.
Indeed, this guy was also of the same kind.
"When and how will you do it? You said you'll arrange the infiltration, but it's not like we can just storm in."
"As for the timing, it will be after our preparations are complete, which should be around a month. And don't worry about the operation, I have a way to isolate the Emerald Cat clan."
While the Emerald Cat clan has a unique ability, they are significantly weaker in terms of combat power compared to other beastmen.
If they can be isolated, Caide's forces alone should be sufficient to suppress the village.
"I'm counting on you, Caide."
"You don't have to tell me twice."
"It goes without saying."
Currently, Caide's position in the Empire isn't that high.
It's on par with the newcomer Coras, and if they were to compare it to Ortria's noble system, it's at best at the level of a Viscount.
However, if the plan he's currently pushing forward succeeds, it wouldn't be a dream to rise up with that achievement.
"Wait for me, nameless test subject. I will 'use' you properly once again."
Caide imagined his glorious future, leaving the scene while chuckling to himself.
At that moment, someone timidly approached him to speak.
"U-umm..."
"Hmm? ...What is it, Gray? What brings you to a place like this?"
"The connection test for the magic-powered armaments has completed the third phase... I thought I'd report that, if we keep going like this, we might be able to achieve practical use in about 6 months..."
Offering a stack of documents, a 14-year-old boy with black hair named Gray watched Caide's reaction.
The hopeful glint in his eyes was unmistakably a plea for praise, but... Caide merely glanced at it and immediately threw it back to the boy.
"You're late; how long will it take? There's a real combat situation in a month, so make sure you can at least conduct the tests by then."
"Th-that's impossible!! We've only just begun to suppress the rejection reactions of the monster factors. If we push ourselves here, who knows what kind of effects the factor backlash will have on the soldiers...!! "
"Anyone can say it's impossible. Your job is to find a way to make it work. Or do you intend to defy me?"
"Ugh...!!"
Gray falls silent under Caide's cold gaze.
With a sigh, Caide leaves.
Finally, he leaves behind some cruel words.
"Oh, that's right. The Neithardt family, your birthplace, has already been wiped out by the King of Ortria, and there are no more left. If your existence is revealed, you will probably be executed even if you return to the kingdom."
"...huh..."
"Your place is no longer here. If you don't want to be abandoned, you'd better do your best."
Buried under a mountain of scattered documents, the boy who became the world's only "Neithardt" without even realizing it, mumbled softly while slumped down.
"I have to do my best... I have to do my best..."
Those words echoed like a curse down the empty hallway.
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