Trash of the Count's Family

“…Bud is being held hostage by the dethroned princess?” That is correct, young master-nim.

Ron's benign smile didn't register correctly in Cale’s mind.

Alberu confirmed that the underground stone chamber was not visible to Raon and Ron as they were in the middle of the staircase before starting to speak toward Cale who seemed to be deep in thought.

“Elisneh the First, the current monarch of the Molden Kingdom, rose to the throne in her early thirties. She is said to have used her amazing leadership to turn the Molden Kingdom into the strong kingdom it is today.” That is correct, your highness.

Ron respectfully agreed with Alberu.

Alberu leaned on the wall as he continued to speak.

"There are many people in the Eastern continent who consider the Roan Kingdom to be the second Molden Kingdom.”

There were talks about the Roan Kingdom being similar to the Molden Kingdom as both nations had a young person coming into power and developing their nation into a strong kingdom.

“But there is one thing that was different.” It was the issue of successorship.”

Alberu smiled and casually commented toward Ron.

“Looks like you’re quite knowledgeable about the Eastern continent's situation.” It isn’t much, your highness.

Ron feigned ignorance and stopped talking.

Alberu quietly watched him for a moment before continuing to speak. He continued his explanation for Cale.

“Originally, there were two monarch candidates who fought viciously for the Molden Kingdom's throne.” It wasn’t much of a fight because Elisneh the First was superior in every category.

“Correct.”

Intelligence, strength, background of maternal relatives, number of followers, and capital. Elisneh was superior in every category.

“Elisneh the First from the beginning to the end… Showed superiority in all aspects and ascended to the throne. However, there was a moment when her younger sister, Princess Jopis, threatened Elisneh the First's hold on the throne.”

“…Jopis.”

Cale mumbled that name.

“Yes. Princess Jopis. Unlike the others, she aggressively tried to defeat Elisneh the First. However, she is said to be living quietly after losing the battle. Well, she can only live quietly as she has been exiled.”

Unless the heir to the throne is determined early as it was with Alberu, there were only two options left for the others who fought until the end.

Death or exile. Should they choose exile, they had to live the rest of their lives as quiet as a rat under surveillance.

“…Honestly speaking, I still don’t know why Jopis tried to go up against Elisneh the First.”

This was because Elisneh the First's victory was almost guaranteed.

“Furthermore, the two of them are blood-related siblings. They aren't even half-siblings.”

“Siblings?”

“Yes, that is why Jopis couldn't even get support from her maternal relatives. They all supported Elisneh.”

Alberu tilted his head to the side.

He had been gathering information about the Molden Kingdom after Cale told him about the Molden Kingdom and the Illusionist last time.

“Furthermore, the two of them were said to have a very good relationship with each other until Jopis suddenly started to fight for the throne. Jopis and Elisneh's maternal relatives still don't know why Jopis suddenly started to rebel against her older sister.”

“…Really?”

Cale’s eyes clouded over. Alberu looked toward Cale and responded.

“I guess you felt the same thing I felt while telling you about it.”

Alberu looked toward Cale, Raon, and Ron as he continued to speak.

“Doesn’t it feel odd?”

“That does seem to be the case.”

Cale started to think about Bud.

“The Mercenary King, Bud is not someone who bluffs. He told me he would get information about the Molden Kingdom, so the fact that he approached Jopis should mean that she has some sort of secret.”

“Yes. Either a secret or the key to revealing the secret.”

A secret or a key.

Cale turned back toward the video communication device.

“How did Bud end up getting captured?” Using the information from Glenn Poeff who was watching from the rear…

to

not the type to

no matter

Glenn debate whether he should enter the residence as well or contact the Mercenaries Guild to get reinforcements. Glenn Poeff apparently got a call

video communication device?” Yes, sir. The calling video communication device

Alberu interjected.

was when he confirmed that the Mercenary King was taken

an awkward smile on his face and bowed toward

recorded the contents of the call I received

Chhhhhhh-

as the saved recording started

“Human, it's Bud!”

‘It sure is.’

It was Bud, but…

frown while looking at the

see a simple and

the residence of

Alberu's voice

would give a

the room they

old but clean bed in the room, and those bookcases were full of books that seemed

of that old but clean bed… Mmph,

Bud was flailing around.

arms and legs were tied down and there was a gag in

trying to say something as he looked at the video communication device, but the

heard a woman's voice in the

bookcases… There were also an

were made

sitting on one of those chairs smiled toward the screen. The

wooden cup was dressed

Cale was reminded of Duchess Violan as he

hair was tied up without a single stray strand

of grace that came from her expression made him think of Duchess

was wearing old grey clothes because she was living in exile, but she gave off the grace of a woman enjoying a short tea time at the palace

she said the tea

look like someone who had lost

she looked more majestic than Alberu. Cale subconsciously started looked toward

Why are you looking at me like

slowly turned away

be easy to

“…Yes.”

agreed with

like a

became certain after hearing her

Click.

down before

Smile.

an elegant smile on her face as well. Mister, tea truly

“Ah.”

Cale was certain.

to deal with. Human! Bud seems like a stupid idiot who walked into a Dragon's lair

disagree with

had no way of knowing how Bud who was a sword master and had an ancient power ended

a single drop

her in the recording.

struggled and shook

majestic voice respond. Sir, who would assist a dethroned princess that has nothing to offer them? For being the Mercenary King's smart close friend, can't you use your

Cale heard Alberu's voice.

learn to speak

‘Me too.’

while sounding elegant in the process. I want to learn

shook his

what happens if you learn to talk like that. No more snacks

I not? The two of you were a famous combination long before I started farming in this remote countryside. I guess you think

Smile.

elegant smile made her look as if she

voice. Well, anyway, who you are is

as a princess even if she was dethroned and lived in exile now, had

his gaze on Jopis in

device at that moment and

that he came to learn the secrets of the Molden royal

idiot! He was

hear Glenn

didn't care as he continued to focus

but her eyes had not