Report
------------------
HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Prøks]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
------------------
Chapter 34: The Snake of the Apocalypse
The reactions of the people to Allenvert's sudden actions were diverse.
"He's a madman."
"Hmm, how perplexing."
"He's clearly not in his right mind."
"Why do his eyes seem like that of a mad dog?"
"My younger brother is talented, but he still lacks social skills. It's fine, that's just how geniuses are. As his older sister, I'll teach him a lot."
The gazes of the family members towards Allenvert were almost identical at this moment.
"Is it possible he's delirious from a fever? I should ask the doctor about that."
Somerset pondered this question seriously, while-
"That madman."
Barclava was slightly unnerved by the incomprehensible madness in front of him. How could he burp like that?
Only Karl was a step ahead of his younger siblings.
"Allen, it seems your body has not fully recovered from the fever yet. Overeating is not good at a time like this."
First Young Master admonished his brother in a dignified manner, and Allenvert matched his tone.
"You are right, elder brother. I will be more careful."
Responding humbly with his eyes downcast, Allenvert's actions caused Somerset and Barclava to curse silently inside.
'This little fucker.'
'How utterly repulsive.'
Seeing the foul-mouthed fellow now fawning obsequiously was sickening.
However, Verdzig smiled with a different meaning.
'How clever.'
Since he had already taken an opposing stance against Allenvert, aligning with the other brothers made sense.
The hotheaded Third Young Master or Young Lady who had no interest in the succession struggle were less desirable choices than the First Young Master.
'Feigning madness could also be a strategy.'
Otherwise, how could he make such appropriate judgments? Verdzig had no intention of underestimating Allenvert.
'His seven years of seclusion also had a purpose, it seems.'
From Verdzig's perspective, this suspicion was reasonable. After all, who could infer that he had regained the memory of his past life?
'When a bird that has not flown for seven years suddenly spreads its wings, it will surprise everyone.'
Verdzig felt that closely observing Allenvert at this moment was of great importance.
"But second elder brother."
At that very moment, Allenvert, who had not exchanged a single word with him, suddenly addressed Verdzig.
"Speak, Allen."
All eyes turned to the two of them.
"Don't we have some unfinished business to settle between us?"
"...!"
Business? Who would dare speak to Verdzig in such a bold manner?
'How absurd.'
'Doesn't he have any fear?'
Allenvert grinned with his back to the shocked faces of Somerset and Barclava.
"If you have something to say, then say it."
"Wouldn't it be better to settle the matter in a more private setting?"
The unexpected audacity surprised Verdzig.
"Are you requesting a private audience with me?"
But Allenvert was not the type to tremble in front of a powerful opponent.
"Yes, that's right."
Verdzig smiled faintly.
"Very well, let's do it then."
... The air grew bitterly cold.
* * *
The banquet ended in a rather haphazard manner. However, the siblings had not yet left their seats.
'How surprising, our younger brother.'
Ulbhild Grunewald thought about the younger brother she had not seen in seven years.
'His sword skills were truly beautiful.'
She did not agree with the statement that Allenvert was too old to learn.
If that were the case, the scions of renowned clans who had started martial arts training in their youth should always have been the best of their generation. But was that really the case?
What mattered was not the timing, but the talent. In that sense, look at Allenvert.
'He cultivated to the fifth level of Eternal Ocean Chain Technique through self-study, and in just a week, no less?'
It was not a simple matter of just taking good elixirs. It required unwavering control of mana, consistent endurance and focus, and most importantly, a clear image of the sword in his mind.
'... Father must not be unaware of this.'
Perhaps there were other reasons. The tragedy that befell Allenvert's maternal family, or the obstruction of his other brothers. Or maybe...
'His constitution of limited lifespan is nothing. There are surely ways to extend his life, and even a slim chance of finding something like the Ereshkigal.'
If Allenvert was truly that gifted, there was no reason she could not provide that level of assistance.
'His talent is remarkable, but what's most impressive is his composure and courage even in this setting.'
A great warrior needs more than just talent with the sword. Boldness, wisdom, action, judgment... Today, Allenvert had displayed glimpses of all these qualities.
'But his mental state, which was unable to recover for seven years, is still uncertain. If he will crumble again in the face of greater trials, it's better not to harbor empty dreams from the start.'
Until now, she had shown little interest in Allenvert.
The story was tragic, but she had no intention of extending a helping hand to a brother who had resigned himself.
As a warrior, his weakness was disappointing to her.
'But you have been reborn. ... Whether you will be broken again or have grown strong enough to endure, I will put you through a tempering test to find out.'
Ulbhild's eyes gleamed with a strange obsession.
Meanwhile, one who held the opposite view of his sister was also present.
'Locked up in a corner, and now he's gone mad.'
In Somerset's eyes, Allenvert's sudden change seemed closer to madness than mental recovery.
Why wouldn't it be? According to the words of spies he had planted, the reclusive Allenvert was a timid and pathetic fellow.
'It's been a long time since he was rendered incapable of recovery.'
Was all that just an act? Or was the fever such a transformative catalyst for him?
'... Hmm.'
Somerset suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
What if Allenvert's actions were not simply an outburst of madness?
'Come to think of it, he hasn't actually suffered any losses. No, he may have even shrewdly gained advantages.'
Allenvert acted as if this setting posed no fear or difficulty for him at all, and in the end, even the three siblings including his elder brothers, did not scold or insult him beyond a certain limit. There was simply no room for it. It was a perilous tightrope walk, indeed.
'During that time, he has won the favor of the elder brother and sister, while clearly taking an opposing stance against me and the second elder brother.'
How could he be so fearless? Even Somerset himself felt a sense of dread and eeriness towards the formidable Verdzig.
'Reviewing it again, in this brief banquet, Allenvert has effectively demarcated his allies and adversaries.'
In this case, no one would dare to carelessly confront Allenvert, as it could be perceived as provocation against the opposing faction. When did he acquire such cunning tactics?
Of course, Somerset had no way of knowing that this wisdom came from Karzan's experience in the underworld.
'Damn it.'
Somerset gritted his teeth.
This made the setting almost like Allenvert's debut performance.
After seven years of seclusion, Allenvert had made a strong impression on the First Young Master and Young Lady of the duchy. But as for himself...
'I've been relegated to a mere supporting actor.'
A realization that came a bit late, Somerset's face distorted with anger and humiliation.
'Allenvert. How amusing.'
On the other side, Karl was smiling as he thought of the unexpected ally he had found.
'Today, I've reaped an unexpected harvest.'
The Third Prince Somerset not only walked his own path but was also a hot-tempered and unwise brother whom Karl did not wish to embrace as an ally.
'As for Barclava, he's practically on a leash to Verdzig, so there's no need to mention him.'
While Ulbhild, his full-blooded sister, possessed exceptional skills so she had no interest in the succession struggle.
In the midst of this, Allenvert, who had no power base and had even lost his proper lineage, suddenly showed a friendly attitude towards Karl and helped him to restore his standing.
This was a clear gesture of goodwill, and there was no reason not to take his hand at the moment.
"Karl."
"Yes, Mother."
Isabelle said to her son.
"Let's get going now."
"As you wish."
Should they recruit Allenvert? If so, how should they win his favor? Or was there another intention behind it?
There was much to investigate from this point forward.
"Ulbhild."
"Ah, please excuse me."
The Young Lady responded rather coldly.
"I will go and confront the Head Butler about why he did not assign a sword instructor for Allenvert."
"Do as you will."
In any case, the direction they were aiming for was the same.
"Barclava, you too, return."
"Yes, Mother."
Emengard's contemptuous tone, as if Barclava was not even worth discussing, made him silently rise to leave.
'...'
In this setting, Barclava was once again reminded that while the focus was on his fourth brother Allenvert, he himself had received no one's attention, only able to roll his eyes in frustration.
'Why do I have to endure such humiliation?'
He had grown up as the youngest of the illustrious Grunewald clan, not lacking in anything.
Yet why was he the only one suffering from this sense of inferiority? Barclava could not understand the reason.
'And how...'
How was Allenvert able to be so defiant even in front of the formidable Verdzig? It was a conundrum that the current Barclava could not comprehend.
* * *
Verdzig had invited me to his private study.
"Understand, there are ears everywhere."
"Of course, I understand that well."
"Good, you should know that."
The eyes and ears Verdzig had planted in the annex had been removed on my orders.
We had a surprisingly calm conversation, both aware of this fact.
'One who watches others must also be wary of the eyes watching him.'
This is a maxim to be remembered, whether in the underworld or the nobility.
Yet the magical security measures created in this bedroom were clearly obsessively meticulous. With my current abilities, I could only detect a tiny fraction of them.
"You seem quite interested in magic."
"Why wouldn't I be?"
We sat on the sofa. Verdzig was sitting on the seat of honor and gazed at me steadily.
'He's damn good-looking.'
His face could rival even Allenvert's in beauty, an exquisite perfection.
'Quite impressive, indeed.'
The sharpness of his eyes and nose, the harmonious balance of his features, his proud yet agile physique, his long limbs... He was a sculpture carved by a master craftsman.
Yet why does this beauty now feel ominously chilling to me?
Now that we're in a private audience, I can't help but think that this man could slit my throat or force me to swallow poison without any strangeness.
'Beneath his calm exterior, there lurks tremendous murderous intent.'
I know this type of man.
He is a snake.
A venomous viper.
'The snake of the Apocalypse that devours and poisons everything.'
It's a preposterous idea. When have I ever made such an assessment of a person?
'A terrible monster lives in the castle of a beautiful port city.'
Suddenly, I wondered if requesting this private audience with him might have been my own mistake.
------------------
HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Prøks]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
------------------
