A dark dock with not a sliver of moonlight.
Several men hid their bodies in the shadows and swiftly dug through cargo crates.
After briefly scanning the surroundings, the men gathered at the least conspicuous spot.
“We’ve searched nearly the entire dock, but there’s no sign of the goods. Are you sure the intel is solid?”
“The 3rd Duke verified it multiple times. The goods definitely came in today. Which warehouse haven’t we checked yet?”
“Only Warehouse 12 at the far end is left.”
“Then let’s go.”
Aside from the sound of the men moving, the dock was dead silent.
Security was always lax at night, but today it was so empty that it seemed like no guards were present at all due to the holiday.
The men searched around Warehouse 12 and, concluding there were no guards, entered.
Carefully conjuring a light with magic, the men began inspecting the crates. A look of unease spread across their faces.
“These crates are stamped with the Imperial Family’s seal. Are we allowed to open them?”
“As long as we don’t get caught, that’s all that matters. Check what’s inside.”
When they pried open the sealed crate, it was filled with ore emitting a light mixed of purple and pale green.
“Northern Federation’s mana stones. Matches the intel. Check the other crates quickly.”
The men scattered and checked the crates one by one.
The face of the man organizing the contents changed to one of certainty.
“Half are mana stones, and the other half are liquor. They smuggled mana stones under the pretense of offering Northern Federation liquor as tribute. It’s definitely a smuggling operation.”
The man let out a sigh of relief.
He had been worried that the 3rd Duke was making a fuss over false information again.
“We evacuate the dock as fast as possible. There’s still time before the guard shift—”
Before he could finish, an ominous sound stabbed into his ears.
Ziiiiing—he knew very well what that flat-toned sound meant.
‘Searchlights? But there weren’t supposed to be any guards! We need to get out now, or—’
Before he could finish the thought, searchlights lit up around Warehouse 12.
Along with the harsh, grating noise of mana burning, a rough voice called out.
“Those intruders inside Warehouse 12, listen up! If you are armed, drop your weapons and come out! Otherwise, we will subdue you!”
Only then did the man realize.
Timershi Stetten had been baited again.
With a sigh, the man threw his sword to the ground and muttered.
“Damn idiot Timmy bastard.”
***
The Dukes’ Council usually convened three times a year.
Twice for regular meetings among the dukes, and once for a non-regular meeting presided over by the Emperor.
Although termed “non-regular,” it typically occurred around midyear, making it effectively a regular meeting hosted by the Emperor.
Normally, with no political events scheduled, the Imperial Council Hall—used only for the Dukes’ Council—would have remained quiet for some time.
Normally...
The Imperial Council Hall, which would normally be bustling with nobles attending a regular meeting, was sparsely populated due to the sudden convocation.
Six dukes sat around the central meeting table, with the First Duke, Johann Geller, at the head.
And behind the high-risen platform stood the Emperor.
The Emperor swept his black eyes over the dukes one by one and spoke.
“I thank you all for responding to this sudden call. At least you maintain the minimum of decorum.”
Even in a formal greeting, the Emperor added sarcasm, but no one pointed it out.
They knew it wouldn’t change anything—something the First Duke had proven countless times.
“I believe everyone already knows why you were summoned in haste. It concerns the small incident caused by the 3rd Duke.”
“3rd Duke, Timershi Stetten. Rise.”
As soon as the Emperor finished, Johann called upon the 3rd Duke.
Timershi Stetten rose hesitantly and bowed politely to the Emperor.
“You dare bow so brazenly after meddling with my property. What a thick face.”
“That is not true, Your Majesty, there was a reason…”
“Your excuses can come later. First Duke, summon the victim of the theft—Count Valheit.”
At Johann Geller’s signal, the doors opened and a man with closed eyes entered.
He was full of amusement, not fitting the solemn atmosphere at all.
“Count Valheit of a nameless territory greets Your Majesty.”
“Quite the elusive man. Is the title of Royal Advisor becoming burdensome?”
The Emperor joked with a slightly relaxed tone, and Valheit smiled.
“I’ve been busy, that’s all. But I’m glad to see Your Majesty looks well, even after some time.”
His tone was far too cheeky for a mere count, but no one cared.
The Emperor didn’t seem particularly bothered either.
“Let’s skip the pleasantries. Please briefly explain the incident, Count.”
“It was an incident where 3rd Duke Timershi Stetten raided a tribute shipment I had purchased from the Northern Federation.”
“But that was because we received solid intel that it was smuggling…”
“I said we’d hear your excuses later, 3rd Duke. Continue, Count.”
Timershi shut his mouth.
The intel from Strauss wasn’t wrong.
Valheit had definitely smuggled mana stones.
Timershi, who had been humiliated after losing the Emperor’s illegitimate child to Valheit last time, intended to use this opportunity to pin something on him.
The problem was that even Strauss didn’t know Valheit had hidden the mana stones among imperial tributes.
If it had gone unnoticed, it would’ve been fine. But as it turned out, Timershi was the one cornered.
Even if he tried to accuse Valheit of smuggling, there was no evidence.
Though some subordinates were captured, the guards publicly stated that only liquor was found.
“…That concludes my explanation of the incident.”
“Let’s get to the point. Since you’re directly involved, I’ll ask you: considering Imperial law, what punishment do you think suits the 3rd Duke?”
Timershi bowed his head deeply.
He was tense because Johann Geller had warned that he could face disciplinary action close to house arrest.
“Compensation for the damaged goods and an apology for the misunderstanding should suffice.”
Timershi involuntarily raised his head at those words.
“…That’s all you think meddling with my property warrants?”
“Of course, the goods in the warehouse were to become Your Majesty’s, and now they are. But at the time 3rd Duke interfered, they were still mine. That’s why this is the extent of my claim.”
Valheit explained with a relaxed smile.
As the Emperor’s expression clearly soured, Werner Chartra shot to his feet in his place.
“You think that makes sense, Count? Stetten touched items offered to His Majesty! Not some market cargo!”
“Before they became His Majesty’s property, tribute or cargo—there’s no difference. Legally speaking.”
Valheit shook his head as if disappointed, and Werner glared up at Johann Geller seated above.
Johann Geller showed no particular reaction.
“…Then let’s begin the discussion. Dukes, present your opinions.”
With a listless tone, the troubled Emperor made his declaration.
Everyone present realized the outcome was already decided.
The Emperor was not resolute enough to go against the Royal Advisor of the long-standing Imperial Family.
Timershi Stetten had survived.
Whether by luck or for other reasons—no one yet knew.
***
“My apologies for the inconvenience, Count Valheit.”
“Think nothing of it, 6th Duke.”
I answered cheerfully while flipping through the newspaper.
The Imperial press, known for being more rigid and formal than those of other nations, had quite a few entertaining stories today, perhaps due to being a latecomer to the field.
“Lord Timershi Stetten causing trouble isn’t exactly new.”
“I have no excuse.”
“They really nailed the headline. ‘Third Duke raids Imperial tribute: Mistake or Intent?’ What’s your take on it?”
“As a fellow duke, it’s my fault for not guiding him better.”
I felt a flicker of guilt at the 6th Duke’s lament.
In the novel, the Sixth Duke, Giuseppe Sicilienne, never stood out much.
Moderately good-natured, moderately gullible—he was part of the neutral faction that often got pushed around.
That was the extent of his role—he was more like ‘Surprised Duke 1’ or ‘Shocked Duke 2.’
So when someone like him formally invited me, a mere Count, to his waiting room, I was honestly a little surprised.
“You were summoned because of my nephew, so I ought to show you some hospitality.”
And the reason was that he felt sorry. He might have had some ulterior motive, but even so, it was the kindest treatment I’d received in a while.
“Thank you for showing leniency to my nephew. I’m sure Timmy didn’t know what he was doing.”
“Of course, that must be the case.”
I chuckled and returned my gaze to the newspaper.
When I sent the letter to Victor Strauss, I hadn’t expected to get caught this openly.
At the very least, I thought he’d be more cautious in choosing the timing.
[Despite the 3rd Duke’s explanation, His Majesty the Emperor has announced that he will summon the Dukes’ Council to clearly address the wrongdoing. It is said that opinions among the dukes are divided. Especially between the 4th Duke and the 1st Duke, tensions are reportedly at a peak.]
The conflict between Chartra and Geller was unfolding as smoothly as flowing water.
Of course, unlike the easily baited Stetten, those two were putting on a show.
Since Timershi had effectively disrespected the Emperor’s authority, Chartra’s voice gained weight, and Geller’s influence weakened.
Just having such a situation arise gave Chartra a justifiable pretext for a loyalist coup, and Geller a reason to not openly oppose it.
“My sister was terribly worried because of Timmy. I’m just relieved it ended well.”
I felt a little bad that Giuseppe had been so anxious while unaware of the real situation, but in the end, Timershi got off lightly, so it should be fine.
“If there’s ever anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“No, there’s nothing in particular.”
“To be honest, Timmy lacks the ability to repay any favor. You’d be better off asking me directly.”
Ah. So he thought I had gone easy on Timmy in order to squeeze a favor out of him.
Well, if I put my mind to it, it’s not like I couldn’t do that.
“Young people don’t always grow up smoothly. Don’t worry about it.”
“I appreciate the kindness, but… if you don’t want anything, why were you so lenient with him?”
It was a rather direct question.
To Giuseppe’s eyes, letting things slide seemed less beneficial than exploiting the opportunity, so his curiosity was understandable.
There were reasons I couldn’t say, and reasons I could.
The unspeakable reason was to stir the atmosphere for a coup. As for the reason I could say…
“A friend of mine in the Northern Federation runs a liquor business and wants to break into the Imperial market.”
Giuseppe nodded as if understanding and started thinking about something.
He must’ve gotten the general idea.
If this small scandal could be turned into a promotional opportunity, there was nothing to lose. That was the excuse, anyway.
“In that area, I can be of help. I do host many banquets. What’s your friend’s company called?”
“…Borgia Liquor Guild. I’d appreciate your support.”
Given Giuseppe’s reputation for not taking sides and frequently hosting banquets, his backing would definitely help business thrive.
There was no downside to gaining name recognition.
The more famous the name became, the easier it would be to deliver things other than liquor to the Imperial Capital.
“It’s nearly time for the closing ceremony. I’ll step out for a bit.”
“You have it tough. All those meaningless ceremonial procedures you still have to attend.”
“That’s what it means to be a duke.”
With a wry smile, Giuseppe stepped out, and I flipped through the newspaper a bit more before pausing at the international section.
It was labeled ‘international,’ but the content was barely more than a collection of briefs.
It reflected the Empire’s lack of interest in the outside world, but one short article caught my eye.
[Late First Snow in the Northern Federation—Top Destinations to Visit Before It Falls?]
It was probably a paid article from someone high up in the Northern Federation.
But what drew my attention wasn’t tourism.
‘The first snow is late.’
The snow itself wasn’t important.
What mattered was the existence of a confused demon who would fall to this world with the snow in the Northern Federation.
The one who killed Valheit.
The one who would kill me.
The protagonist of The Path of the Demon King.
‘The Demon King is coming to this world.’
In other words, the time for episode 1 to begin was drawing near.
***
The results of the Dukes’ Council spread quickly.
“Extra edition! Extra edition!”
Even the normally reserved Imperial newspapers rushed to print extras, and even the indifferent citizens each grabbed a copy.
“I heard the 3rd Duke caused another incident?”
“Trying to steal liquor bound for the Imperial Household? That takes some nerve.”
“Doesn’t the punishment seem too light for that?”
“Rumor has it Valheit was involved. Who knows what he’s plotting.”
While politically curious chatterboxes debated the implications, ordinary folks focused on something else entirely.
“If a duke tried to steal it, that must be some incredible booze, right?”
“I knew the Federation was famous for its liquor, but I didn’t think it’d make it all the way to the Imperial Family.”
“Damn, I want a taste too. Does it say what kind of liquor it is?”
At the center of all this controversy, I was flipping through a newspaper in the headquarters library without much thought.
Whether they said I did it out of spite for Chartra, or because Johann Geller threatened me, or even claimed I was in bed with Johann Geller—none of it really mattered to me.
Especially since that last part couldn’t be further from the truth.
[Relationships]
▶ 1st Duke Johann Geller (-89 / Deteriorating!!)
(-) Lost the upper hand! Suspects ulterior motives!
As expected, my relationship with Johann Geller was steadily declining.
At this rate, it might even hit ?100 soon.
‘Would hitting ?100 trigger a major change?’
It was more wishful thinking than a theory, but regardless, the point was that everyone could sense the serious atmosphere brewing.
That alone meant the first objective was achieved.
The stage was set for the main players to appear.
As the director, I could consider this a successful debut.
I tossed the newspaper aside and let out a long yawn.
Chartra asked for about two weeks to complete the coup plan.
Until then, I was effectively on vacation.
Maybe I should focus on magic training, which I’d been neglecting.
Or polish the Weapon Demon skill I picked up last time.
Starting tomorrow, things would be slow. For today, maybe I’ll sleep in.
As I whistled and opened the bedroom door, I sensed something off.
No sound.
No creaking from the old door, no breeze from the lake, not even my own breathing.
“It’s been a while, Valheit.”
A soft, warm woman’s voice pierced the silence.
As the door closed behind me on its own, I tried to figure out who the uninvited guest in my bedroom was.
“Hasn’t been that long, and you’ve already forgotten my face?”
A woman with neat orange hair smiled quietly.
‘Who is she? Was there a character like that described?’
As if she had heard my internal question, she answered first.
“You haven’t forgotten that we created the Eight Council together, have you?”
Her amused voice made the hair on my neck stand on end.
There was only one person who had founded the Eight Council with Valheit.
The leader of the Eight Council, who never appeared even once before the novel was discontinued.
That leader now stood before my eyes.