The Story of Hero Among Heroes ~The Founding Chronicles of Arestia - Chapter 147 – Carlos and Joseph

[Didn’t expect to see you around here. What a surprise.]

Carlos said as he stared at the man before him… the man who also shares his bloodline, his brother Joseph.

The first prince Carlos was currently on standby, staying in his territory,

The territory was located in the west; near his backer, the Archduke Saxon’s territory and naturally, very close to Thracia.

Therefore he was ostensibly put on standby in his territory to act as a wall against Thracia. However, considering his background, it was a strange decision to use him to『defend』.

The『Tiger of Saxon』Georg and the『Mad Prince』Carlos were recently known as the『Spear of Empire』due to their constant march to the other countries.

Whether it’s an internal conflict or a skirmish with the neighboring Thracia or Wolfgard, they never failed to participate on the frontline as generals.

Thus it became obvious that this standby order was a punishment for his failure in the previous war. Also, taking over his brilliance… was the current『General of Conquest』Ares Schwarzer. In fact, the man in question was given free reign when it comes to war against the barbarians.

It’s certainly not a beneficial situation for Carlos. And he’s been spending a lot of time…thinking how to overturn this.

[So, what do you want from me?]

Carlos simply despised this brother of his. Both of them treated the lower ranked aristocrats as their henchmen and seemingly acted without any rein.

But at least… whatever Carlos did… be it levying heavy taxes on his people, binding them with fear or treating the land he invaded with cruelty… he did all that with the reasoning that it’s a necessary evil.

But Joseph was different.

This man did everything because he enjoys it.

Joseph never went to war, ruled his people tyrannically and used his status as a member of the royal clan to stay in the safety of his own territory…

They hadn’t spoken with each other since childhood, preferring to ignore each other. They never truly got along with each other, so what did Joseph want now?

Carlos stared at Joseph with an inquisitive look.

Joseph, in contrast, looked back to Carlos with a grin on his face then he finally spoke.

[Well, it’s all water under the bridge now, so why don’t we aid each other now,『Esteemed Brother』?]

[…you are the last person that I expected to ever call me ‘brother’. What do you have in mind?]

[…at the moment, aren’t we in a dangerous position?]

Joseph’s face changed to that of a concerned expression.

[Elizabeth is with the Lombardia, Anne would soon marry the Rosenheim and Cornelia who we previously thought to be useless landed herself on the Schwarzers. Each of them has an Archduke as their backer.

[I also have Archduke Saxon as my backer.]

[But you and Saxon failed in the previous war. Didn’t your position plummet afterward?]

[…cur, what are you implying?]

[I’m just telling the truth here. But isn’t it true that you’ve been isolated from the others?]

[…]

Carlos grumbled with regret on his face. What Joseph said was correct.

[So, what do you want to say?]

[『Esteemed Brother』might’ve lost your command over the Imperial Army, but Archduke Saxon hasn’t. On my part, I have many aristocrats as vassals. If we join hands, wouldn’t we be a force to be reckoned with?]

A grin returned to Joseph’s face as he said so. But Carlos was thinking about something else as he listened to Joseph.

If this good-for-nothing brother of his started to make a move… that means the Royal father’s condition is worsening. If nobody stops Scion, then it will be a lost cause for them… even his brother knew this.

Carlos laughed sarcastically, then replied to Joseph.

[I refuse.]

[Ha!? W-why!?]

Joseph was obviously upset. He probably never imagined that Carlos would refuse his offer. No… he was too self centered to even consider that possibility.

[Even if the low-ranking aristocrats under your control band together, they’ll still be useless. Nothing but extra luggage. I have my own plan. And I don’t need to rely on you for it.]

[However! If this situation continues on, we’ll get overtaken!]

[Rather than worrying about others, worry more about yourself. You don’t even have the backing of a high-ranking aristocrat or an Archduke. How to survive after this… you’d better use that small brain of yours to think about that.]

[Y-you…]

Carlos then summoned his retainer.

[Alright, my brother is heading back. Please guide him to the carriage.]

Carlos stood up and turned around.

[Doing something like this. Don’t think you’ll get away scot-free!]

Carlos watched as his brother left after saying those spiteful words. He murmured something with barely an audible voice.

[Well, your fate will be decided in the next few years. There is no way I’ll board a mud boat like that.]

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◆

Joseph was very disturbed.

[Damn it! That cur, Carlos! How dare he refuse my invitation!]

Joseph had few allies within the Arcadia Empire. Therefore, he had been running around looking to increase the number…but the current situation simply wouldn’t let him.

[Refusing the invitation of this noble me… everyone is just insufferable idiots!]

However, his abusive shout only ended up echoing inside the mostly vacant carriage.

At that moment…

[Is there anything I can do to help?]

Where did that voice come from?

The carriage stopped around the same time.

[Oi! What’s wrong!? What happened?]

Joseph panickedly asked. At that point, the carriage door opened up from outside. A man in black robe climbed inside the carriage, with a snake headed man followed from behind.

There was a bloody hook on the snake-headed man’s hand and a bloody head dangling at the end of the hook.

[HyyaaaaaaaAAAAAAAA]

[Let me repeat. Is there anything I can help with?]

The black robed man said.

[Please! My life! Please spare my life!]

[In that case, would you be willing to make a pact with me?]

[I’ll do anything! Just please don’t kill me!]

The black robed man smiled at the sight.

[I shall take that as a positive confirmation for the contract.]

At that moment something radiated on Joseph’s chest. He immediately fainted after checking his chest.

[Such a pitiful fellow. Is this guy really worth it?]

Being asked like that by the snake-headed man, the black robed man simply laughed.

[This fellow… All I actually need is his『blood』. And, I suppose he’ll give us a good show?]

Afterward, the black robed man leaned down to the unconscious Joseph.

[From here onward, you belonged to my Lord. Your whole body… up to the tip of your hair. Until the time comes….. Just enjoy your life to the fullest.]

Soon afterward, as if they’re dust being swept by the wind, the duo was no longer anywhere to be seen.