The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 46

Chapter 46: Differences of Opinion (Bardle’s Side)

“…Huh?”

While discussing matters with the Serka King, Bardle received a letter from the Empire that indicated important documents. The king’s initial words, after reading the letter and rubbing his eyes before rereading it, caught Bardle’s attention as unusual.

“Bardle, listen carefully.”

“What is it?”

“Your younger brother has become a knight with a title in the Empire and is engaged to the third imperial princess.”

“What!?”

The same words came out of Bardle’s mouth, and the shock was so intense that the documents he had been holding fell onto the desk.

He received the letter from the king and read it carefully. The summary read as follows:

“This time, the adventurer Serk, who has made significant contributions to our country through research conducted since his rescue of Arseria from the Gruzio Continent, as well as his recent defeat of the ringleader of the attack on the castle, has been awarded the title of ‘Black Storm Knight.’ Considering his mutual affection with Arseria, preparations are underway for their wedding as soon as various matters are arranged. Additionally, we would like to share information regarding the attackers who targeted the castle and request a meeting soon.”

“No way…”

After finishing reading, Bardle fell into stunned silence for a few seconds. Then, he quickly resumed his thoughts while organizing the information.

“Bardle, there are many things to be concerned about, but the most important…”

“Is the information about the attackers and the research Mildrea was conducting.”

“Indeed. Particularly, the research that Mildrea was promoting…”

“The Imperial Relic, Justireon… It’s related to the legend of the rare drop, right?”

This had been rumored for quite some time. The emperors of Mildrea, passed down through generations, possessed the Imperial Relic, which was a rare drop. The Empire had been conducting research on rare drops…

If Serk were to contribute to that research, in what capacity…

“Your Majesty, may I request three days to gather information?”

“Three days, can you do it in that time?”

“I will certainly gather corroborating evidence. During that time, would it be acceptable for Your Majesty to summon senior civil and military officials for an urgent meeting?”

“Hmm… Nevertheless…”

“Yes?”

“To think that you could move that Empress, your younger brother is quite terrifying…”

“I apologize.”

Bowing, Bardle left the king’s office. First, he would collect information through various guilds and investigate Mildrea’s recent activities through different channels from Duke Brayja. He needed to gather information from every possible angle to ensure accuracy.

“It’s unexpected that Serk would be able to influence even the Empress…”

He muttered involuntarily at his younger brother’s unexpected actions. And as the density of the gathered information weighed on him, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease…

Three days later, in the gathering of dignitaries from the Kingdom of Belga, standing beside the king, I greeted everyone after confirming that they had all assembled.

“Thank you for responding to the sudden summons. I, Bardle Grantos, will be leading the proceedings of this meeting.”

As I explained the contents of the letter received from the Empire and the information obtained after three days of running around, the knight captain, the head of the mage guild, the director of the magic research lab, and other noble officials, including the duke, all displayed expressions of astonishment, except for the king and the duke.

“So, the Empire…”

“Considering the contributions to years of research and the information gathered about Serk and the Arseria Princess, it is reasonable to think that Serk and Princess Arseria obtained a rare drop and the method to acquire it.”

“But rare drops are of legendary caliber…”

“Can you say it’s impossible? Our country’s magical tools, even a compilation of them created by Justireon, possess overwhelming capabilities. If the Empire, which has researched this for years, recognizes the achievements of someone from outside the country, it’s not unreasonable for them to bring back the real thing.”

The head of the mage guild fell silent at my argument. Then, the knight captain, who had been silently reading documents, spoke up.

“In other words, the Empire possesses at least two, and if Princess Arseria also owns one, that makes three rare drops. According to the documents, one belongs to Lord Serk, and the other to Princess Arseria. They cleverly granted titles and the princess to lure in Lord Serk… quite a skillful move.”

“Knight Captain! Do you understand the importance of this matter? Simply put, the Empire has gained three times the military strength!”

One of the nobles pounded the table, glaring. Bardle, in response, exhaled deeply and directed his gaze there.

“So, what do you suggest?”

“It’s decided! We will bring him back! Originally, he was a noble of our country, so even if he’s given a title, that power should be wielded for the benefit of our country! Moreover, if we analyze the rare drop he possesses, the magical technology and knowledge of our country will further advance…”

“It’s unlikely.”

Interrupting the passionate words of the noble, the knight captain shifted his gaze towards me. “May I speak?” he asked with a glance. I nodded, and he put down the documents, beginning to speak.

“It’s a sudden question, but gentlemen, for the one who perceives their hard work as ‘just doing what’s expected’ and for the one who receives it as ‘well done, thank you,’ for whom do you think it’s worth putting in effort?”

The knight captain said this and turned his gaze to the nobles…