"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 10

A few days had passed since the declaration of war by the Mantesa Baron family. During this time, the information spread like ripples, quickly becoming a hot topic throughout the entire empire. The neighboring nobles set up defensive lines to avoid being caught in the crossfire, while other nobles, heightening their vigilance, chose to remain observers.

Of course, this information also reached the ears of the empress reigning at the pinnacle of the Astoria Empire.

“Your Majesty Iris, we have just received information that the Mantesa Baron has declared war on the Arden Baron.”

“Arden… the baronial family that recently passed the torch. I have a feeling the new baron was quite young.”

“Yes. The current head of the family is the fourteen-year-old Ryu Arden.”

“Chancellor, how do you view this battle?”

The Empress asks the Chancellor standing beside her.

“Personally, I think Man Tester is likely to win.”

“Oh. And what is the reason?”

“Arden has been gradually declining since the previous generation. And after leaving behind debts, the head of the family was forced to pass on the position due to an unforeseen accident. I am not aware of the detailed military capabilities of both sides, but Baron Mantesa’s declaration of war at this timing suggests that he has found some opportunity for victory. For these reasons, I believe that most of the citizens, including myself, are supporting Mantesa.”

“Is that how it looks to you?”

“…Could it be that Your Majesty has a different idea?”

“Hmm.”

“If you don’t mind, I would like to hear it.”

“It seems to me that Ryu Arden has caught on to Baron Mantesa’s scheme and has eliminated the incompetent former head. And he prepared in a short period, ready to face them in perfect condition. I can see that much leeway. Well, the reasons for his suspicion, the methods of elimination, and the tactics he plans to use remain unclear.”

“In short, Arden will win… However, Your Majesty, if he were such a remarkable person to make that possible, he would have already made a name for himself somewhere. If we had a bit more information about him, it would be a different story.”

“The problem lies there. For some reason, the information circulating about Ryu Arden is overwhelmingly less than that of other noble children. And it’s unreasonably so.”

“At this late stage, should we also send spies to Arden? Just like the great nobles of the Empire?”

“Please. Make sure it’s an absolute expert.”

Understood.

The Prime Minister immediately issued orders and had the officials run.

“Which prediction is correct will be clear once we see the outcome. Until then, we must be patient.”

“I would like to leisurely observe from the imperial castle, but just in case, let’s call the ‘sorcerer.’ There is a possibility, albeit not zero, that foolish people with ill intentions might appear taking advantage of this war.”

A magician is a sorcerer who has made significant contributions to the Astoria Empire and has been personally awarded a medal by the emperor. All of them have sworn loyalty to the empire and continue to operate covertly across the continent as the empress’s hands and feet. The total number of these magicians is unknown, but there are a few famous ones who are renowned worldwide. For example…

“Just call ‘Zekkai’ or something. He should be stationed in the capital now.”

Understood.

According to rumors, the magician possesses the strength to take on an entire nation’s army single-handedly, and their status within the empire is said to be equal to or even surpassing that of the commander of the Imperial Guard…

The Astoria Empire allows conflicts among the nobility precisely because of their existence. In other words, it sends a message to the world that “the imperial army and mages alone are sufficient for war.” From the perspective of other countries, this is not something to be feared. The fact that they do not disclose the total number of their forces is also one of the reasons they are feared. Thus, the empire is overwhelming even in psychological warfare.

It is likely because the current Empress Iris Astoria is called the Wise Emperor.

The queen opened the finest wine and poured it into the glass.

“It’s unusual for Your Majesty Iris to indulge in alcohol during the day.”

“Against my better judgment, I got carried away. Forgive me.”

“Indeed, it feels like it’s been a while since Your Majesty has made an immediate decision.”

“Ah. It’s been years since I’ve been ‘confused.’ The only thing to do now is pour some sake. Would you like some too?”

“To receive an invitation from Your Majesty is an immense honor… However, with great reluctance, I must decline. I have official duties to attend to afterwards.”

“Still as serious as ever.”

“I take pride in the fact that this is my only strong point.”

“Often said”

The prime minister, who was immediately interrupted, gave a wry smile.

The queen takes a sip of wine.

Hmm… I wonder how the battle will turn out…