Overgeared

“...Now I see.”

Earl Ashur realized as he watched Lauel execute all the prisoners of the Borneo army.

"The reason why the greedy and stupid Grid is able to solidify his position is due to this person.”

Lauel used the alliance with the Borneo army to not just occupy Patrian. He deserved to be accused, but it couldn’t be denied that he was excellent. Choosing the cruel means in order to achieve better results was especially great. Could Grid come up to his current position if it wasn’t for this person?

‘It wouldn’t have been possible.’

Earl Ashur denied it with certainty, making Bland speak.

"Father, with all due respect, Duke Grid isn’t incompetent. It’s true that Earl Lauel’s achievements are big, but his actions would be limited if Duke Grid was incompetent.”

“...?”

Earl Ashur felt that his son was strange after reuniting after two years. Bland had a bad relationship with Grid and was also held hostage by Grid, yet he acknowledged Grid?

‘Grid even took Irene from him. Now there are no grudges in his eyes...?’

Bland seemed to be brainwashed. How was he tortured? It was truly horrible. Earl Ashur made a heartbroken expression while Bland smiled brightly.

"Father, it’s nothing like you are imagining. I have been enjoying life in Reidan.”

“Bland?”

Earl Ashur was surprised. His son Bland could smile so brightly again after losing his mother and brother? After Irene married Grid, this kid definitely should be darker and more pained!

"What is life like in Reidan that you can make such a bright face?”

Bland told the truth to the confused Earl Ashur.

“Field work.”

"W-What?”

"I eat potatoes every day.”

“What?!!!”

Earl Ashur was furious. His precious son, a noble of Eternal, had to work in the fields like a serf? He was even eating potatoes like a pig! He had been living this hellish life!

“Ahh! Bland! You’ve gone mad at the end of your life!” Earl Ashur lamented and hugged Bland. “I’m sorry! Your life was ruined due to this foolish father!” Sob sob.

Bland handed a boiled potato to Earl Ashur who was weeping. A rainbow colored potato.

"I’m not going to speak any longer. Eat this potato. Your misunderstanding will be wiped out the moment you taste this.”

“This...”

lamented. Bland determined there would be no progress in this conversation and acted.

"Heok!"

eyes shone as the

‘W-What is this?’

comparable to opening a new mana circle caused him to be stunned. As soon as it was inserted in his mouth, it melted and the taste was sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and refreshing.

spoke excitedly to the shocked

“How can you express this precious delicacy with just delicious!?

"...”

truly thick. Bland and Earl Ashur even had the same taste buds. Either way, it was the birth of

***

you serve Duke Grid?” Lauel arranged the situation

become hostile to both Eternal and Gauss. It is doubtful that Duke Grid can withstand the pincer

countries we will become hostile to in

“The empire?’

was close to 3,000. There were several great magicians as outstanding as Earl

be hostile

Ashur with

is behind

Lauel was convinced there was a relationship with the empire

the empire is changing little by little. The policies have started to become favorable towards the empire?

It was murky.

for Duke Grid after becoming hostile to the empire? Won’t I just die

worry. The empire currently has their army scattered due to insurgents in the south. It’s hard to get involved in matters of the north. I’m certain that there will be no direct conflict with the empire for the next

but there were few kingdoms with full autonomy like Eternal. What if it was known that King Aslan borrowed the power of the empire in order to be crowned, and in return, implemented policies favorable to the

the conclusion that King Aslan

read the situation of the

“Isn’t this the basics?”

something that anyone

about it

is too weak to build an independent force. I will serve Duke Grid. However,

10 great magicians on the continent. Just...” Lauel gave a friendly smile. Then he spoke to Earl Ashur with a gentle expression. "Always

"I know."

much had Grid grown to be able

want to

had been living a healthy and happy life. Earl Ashur was full of expectations when he suddenly

Duke Grid

would determine Reidan’s future destiny. Yet Grid hadn’t

Grid is

“...?”

ears for a moment before

struggling alone to defend his territory against those who threaten

“Well... Something similar."