In the high mountains seen from the window hazy with soot, I can see the whiteness of the remaining snow even though itâs summer.
Even with the massive heat that come from smelting which has been generated for decades, the snow in that mountain doesnât thawâŠ
As Vigo said, the thing called nature is extremely annoying.
Those snow-covered high mountains have been cutting the kingdom of Hartford from the interference of other countries since its founding.
However, that is about to end.
After looking back from the window to the documents on the office desk, I speak to the person standing in front of me.
âWell, everything seems to be going according to plan.â (Boris)
âAccording to the reports from the people we have dispatched to infiltrate there, it seems that the plan to destroy the royal capital while making use of Gile-niisanâs rampage failed, but Vigo personally took action and succeeded in eliminating King Frederick. Gile-niisan died together with King Frederick. While Vigo blew up the research facility in the royal capital, and successfully escaped.â
The one who read out the report in a light tone is Hugues, my second son.
My eldest son Gile was born so that I could usurp the main family of Algren, so I didnât expect anything about his ability, howeverâŠ
That worthless and incompetent piece of trash seems to have fulfilled his role to throw the kingdom into confusion in the end.
âVigo, who had escaped, went straight to take control of Abyss Hole and entered the final stage of his migration plan, but there are reports that he made some suspicious movements.â (Hugues)
That madman was also cornered by Frick and co who were investigating about Abyss Walkerâs case, and finally went mad for real, huhâŠ
He himself said that if he called his compatriots over without mana antibody, it would only cause a second Great Invasion, thoughâŠ
It is regrettable that we could not get all of their science and technology.
However, the technological strength of Algrenâs scientists, who have been studying in depth the knowledge absorbed from Vigoâs organization for over 30 years, have reached the point where they have left the technology of the kingdom in the dust.
And even if Vigoâs migration plan is successful, his compatriots are comprised of many girls and children; only a small number of adult men can become a fighting force.
If he turns his fangs toward me with his enhanced Abyss Walkers, Iâd have no choice but to immediately crush him along with his organization using the counter-measure Iâve prepared.
Though, I do wish Vigoâs uprising succeed, then he and Lloyd and co could mutually destroy each other; thatâd be the best-case scenario.
âVigo is merely an old man who has only a few years left to live and is no longer useful. Iâm intending to let him do whatever he wants, so leave him alone.â (Boris)
âUnderstood. However, in this timeâs plan, an unexpected thing occurredâŠâ (Hugues)
The beautifully trimmed silver-haired, crimson-eyed Hugues shows a rare hesitating look.
âSomething out of expectation occurred you say?â (Boris)
âYes, there are reports saying that Frontier Count Lloyd, who shouldnât have arrived at the royal capital yet, has already finished meeting with Crown Prince Rodrick in the royal capitalâŠâ (Hugues)
âItâs about ten days earlier than we had expected. Even if he were to rush on horse from Youg Hannotes on a very strict schedule, this is still too fast.â (Boris)
âFrontier Count Lloyd came on a wyvern. I think thatâs the cause of the deviation to our supposition.â (Hugues)
âDid Lloyd get the technique to control a wyvern?â (Boris)
âI believe that to be the case. If thereâs someone who knows wyvernsâ traits and has the power to get them under control, they should be able to come up with it. And by Hero Lloydâs side, thereâs Crimson Magic Swordsman Frick.â (Hugues)
âCrimson Magic Swordsman Frick who has a huge wyvern as a mount, huh. I see.â (Boris)
Unlike the incompetent Gile, whose only good point is his lineage, my second son, Hugues, who was born to a woman from a clan living together with wyverns in the high mountains up north who I accepted as a concubine, is a talented child who has shown excellent wisdom and robust physique from a young age.
Because I was convinced of Huguesâs talent, I decided to send out my eldest yet incompetent son, Gile, as a hostage, as a sign of loyalty to King Frederick.
Iâm sure Hugues, whoâve made the dragon knights living in the high mountains up north submit with his own power, would be able to fulfill my long-cherished wish even if I die.
âFather, itâs not exactly going according to plan, but what do you think?â (Hugues)
âHugues, state your opinion.â (Boris)
âWell then, Iâll state my personal opinion. I think Vigoâs uprising will make the kingdomâs and Lloydâs and coâs hands full. So, if we can stay out of Crown Prince Rodrickâs and the royal capital noblesâ attention until the opening of the underground tunnel to bring in other countries, our side will win.â (Hugues)
âWhat are the necessary measures for that?â (Boris)
âI think you need to resign from the prime ministerâs post, retire from the position of the family head of Algren duke family, and immediately return the territory of Inbahanes and the territories you gained after the Great Invasion as a form of taking responsibility for what Gile-niisan had done. Besides, since itâs Crown Prince Rodrick who fought to the bitter end in the Great Invasion weâre talking about here, he most likely would be instating his sworn friend, Lloyd, as the commander of the Royal Guard Knight Order as a form of harassment to you. If you accept it unconditionally, we should be able to stall for enough time.â
He has the same thought as me, huhâŠ
As long as my purpose can be achieved, the position of the prime minister of the kingdom of Hartford, the status of the head of Algren duke family, and territories are not something Iâd be reluctant to part with.
Also, Lloydâs appointment as the commander of the Royal Guard Knight Order would be a good farewell gift to the mad and dying Vigo, whose last wish is the success of his migration plan.
âVery well. Iâll reluctantly disappear from the main stage. Hugues, head to the royal capital as the acting head of the family and pay your respect to the Crown Prince Rodrick and Lloyd and co.â (Boris)
âUnderstood. Iâll be heading to the royal capital immediately.â (Hugues)
Afterward, I immediately hand a letter concerning my resignation from the position of the prime minister of the kingdom and a letter concerning the return of territories to Hugues, and have him set off for the royal capital.