This Bastard is Too Competent - Chapter 145: Our Side Wins

Marquis Adelas exclaimed with a resolute expression, voicing his opposition.

“Betrothing the First Princess is one thing, but suggesting a betrothal for Prince Ian is absolutely absurd.”

His determination was evident, and he seemed prepared to stand firm even if a sword were held to his throat.

Ian couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the sight.

‘I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist joining in. Couldn’t wait any longer, huh?’ 

He had been well aware of Marquis Adelas’s presence outside.

It was evident to him.

[See? I was right, wasn’t I? Quite an interesting gaze, wasn’t it?]

A fragment of Jealousy.

Thanks to his power, he could sense Marquis Adelas’s presence.

[Ah. That’s nice. An old man’s jealousy is always fresh].

‘Really?’

[Well, yes. He carries that unmistakable stubbornness and arrogance. Anyway, it’s uncomfortable and dirty, so it feels good.]

Ian frowned at the smirking Jealousy.

He couldn’t understand him at all.

However, he didn’t forget to retort.

‘You’ll probably feel even better.’

[Huh? Why?]

‘You’ll see.’

It was because Marquis Adelas had made a mistake.

He could tell by the unhappy looks on the faces of the chamberlain and the guards, not to mention King Eloin.

At that moment, the elder ministers came forward.

“Marquis Adelas, what insolence is this?”

“You may have the right to participate in the meeting, but how dare you enter the hall without His Majesty’s permission?”

There were established protocols for entering the hall, customary procedures to inform those inside and gain the king’s permission.

However, Marquis Adelas had disregarded these protocols.

Instead of appearing flustered, he lowered his head with a smile reminiscent of a merchant.

“The situation was too urgent…”

“No matter how urgent it is, there are procedures that must be followed, Marquis,” the minister responded sternly.

“What situation could be more urgent than the threat to this country due to Cantum’s civil war?” Marquis Adelas argued.

Furthermore, Marquis Adelas had not merely brushed past the soldiers to enter.

“And isn’t the person standing next to you the cardinal of the Holy Empire?”

“Even if you hold the title of marquis, bringing an outsider into a discussion of national importance…”

“Are you in your right mind?”

All the ministers had been summoned to this gathering to address the matter of Cantum.

Yet, Marquis Adelas had brought in someone from a foreign country, the Holy Empire. Regardless of his status as a marquis, he couldn’t escape the scrutiny of the ministers.

“What do you plan to do if important information leaks out?”

“The Cardinal is not that kind of person…”

“He may not be that kind of person! Why can’t you comprehend that national affairs cannot be solely handled based on familiarity and trust?”

“If any problems arise, will the Marquis take responsibility?”

Marquis Adelas flinched for a moment.

The issue was that he had rushed in urgently in response to the voice he heard from outside.

‘I’d rather wait a little longer…’

However, he couldn’t afford to wait.

He couldn’t wait because what he had heard beyond the doors was unexpected.

‘The Empress of the Empire? The First Princess must become Cardinal Cesare’s wife.’

Under no circumstances could the First Princess be sent to Cantum, even to secure Cesare’s promise.

The same applied to the Seventh Prince, Ian.

‘Him becoming the Emperor? Do you think I’ll support such a ludicrous idea?’

Marquis Adelas’s opposition wasn’t solely due to his dislike for Ian.

If Ian ascended to the throne, it would pave the way for the natural annexation of Kaistein.

‘Even now, he is the King of Bahara, demanding the qualifications of a successor. Would he truly remain silent after becoming Emperor?’

In that case, Marquis Adelas would lose everything.

Even as a marquis of the kingdom, he would be reduced to a mere viscount or earl once the empire took control.

For a man who aspired to become a duke, this was unacceptable.

Naturally, there was another pressing concern.

‘He must never know that I aided in driving out his mother.’

Marquis Adelas had undertaken numerous actions thus far—feigning assistance to the First Princess, making connections with the Second Prince, and being involved in the expulsion of the Fifth Prince from the country.

He had also played a significant role in driving out Ian’s mother from the palace.

However, that wasn’t the most critical matter at the present moment.

“Come up with any excuse, Marquis!”

“This is not the way. Please leave with the outsider first.”

“Royal Guards! What are you just standing there for?”

The ministers mobilized the soldiers to remove Marquis Adelas.

Desperately, he turned to the First Princess, seeking her assistance.

‘Princess, aren’t you going to help me?’

But the First Princess’s gaze was cold.

‘Aren’t you in a position to ask me for help?’

And indeed, it was only natural.

Standing beside Marquis Adelas was none other than Cardinal Cesare himself.

He and his faction were the ones attempting to enforce a marriage between her and him.

Unless she were a fool, there was no way she would assist him in this situation.

In fact, she felt a sense of relief.

‘No matter who you are, you have crossed the line this time.’

Inside, she harbored a strong sense of displeasure.

Even if a marriage with Cardinal Cesare held certain advantages, the manner in which the information was presented to her felt more like an announcement.

The First Princess couldn’t forgive Marquis Adelas for trying to assert his dominance over her. Thus, she was determined to firmly address his behavior this time.

King Eloin shared the same discomfort.

‘How dare you bring an outsider without my permission, and one who happens to be a cardinal.’

He didn’t like the Holy Empire.

Especially at that moment when he felt even more discomfort due to the actions of the Fifth Prince, Haverion.

The king was furious and was about to cast out the uninvited.

However, at that moment, Marquis Adelas’s gaze fell upon a particular individual.

“What about him? Why is the former crown prince here?”

“Huh?”

In that instant, everyone’s attention turned to where Marquis Adelas was pointing.

It was none other than Leonic Kahn.

“Huh? Me?”

Marquis Adelas directed his question toward the perplexed Leonic.

“Isn’t it the same for you, being a foreigner in this country?”

“That’s different.”

“What’s so different about it? It seems like the Seventh Prince brought you. Why is it acceptable for you and not for me?”

His expression was genuinely filled with a sense of injustice.

No, more than injustice, feelings of jealousy and envy could be felt.

“No, Prince Leonic is…”

“That…”

For a moment, everyone fell silent.

In reality, Leonic had been brought in prior to the Cantum incident.

Ian had brought him along to discuss the marriage, but due to the sudden turn of events, he couldn’t be sent away.

It was a moment of uncertainty as all eyes turned towards Leonic.

Ian stepped forward.

“I’m sorry, but Prince Leonic is a party involved in this matter. Naturally, he should be here.”

“What is this all about?”

“When discussing the marriage, shouldn’t the parties involved be present?”

“In that case, Cardinal Cesare should also be here. He is the one involved in the marriage proposal with the First Princess…”

Ian interrupted Marquis Adelas’s words with a stern gaze.

“And even if we set aside the marriage issue, he should still be here.”

“No, I’m saying…”

“He was a former crown prince. There is no one who knows the situation in Cantum better than him, right?”

Ian’s words left everyone shocked.

They were surprised to learn that Leonic had been brought not only for the marriage proposal but also to provide information about Cantum.

Even King Eloin and the First Princess were taken aback.

“Is that true? Is he offering information about Cantum?”

“Even without marriage?”

“Of course.”

Ian smiled at Leonic, signaling for him to speak.

Leonic was puzzled.

‘This isn’t what you meant by standing idly by.’

In truth, most of the information he would share was already known to Ian.

There was no real need for him to speak.

However, witnessing Marquis Adelas attempting to sell him out sparked a strong desire within Leonic to assist.

Especially considering he was a competitor aiming for the First Princess.

To think a priest would attempt a marriage proposal with the First Princess.

‘Just this once, I’ll play along with your intentions.’

Thus, he nodded his head.

“Of course. Although I may not know the recent situation, I will share all that I know.”

“!”

The ministers’ eyes widened at his words.

If what he claimed was true, they had just gained a valuable source of information.

‘The former Crown Prince is on our side. If we handle this well…’

‘We might even be able to manipulate Cantum’s civil war.’

‘No, we might even have a chance to secure a marriage with an emperor or empress, following the words of the Seventh Prince or the First Princess.’

All eyes turned eagerly to King Eloin.

They were all in favor.

King Eloin looked dumbfounded.

‘This guy… Ian didn’t just bring him here to discuss the marriage proposal.’

No wonder he pretended not to understand when signaled to leave.

Clearly, he had a plan.

But it wasn’t necessarily bad news for the king.

‘If the information is accurate… choosing the winner becomes easier.’

Would it be the civil officials or the second prince?

If they could predict the victor, they could lend their support and benefit Kaistein.

Of course, arranging a marriage between the First Princess and Leonic would be more advantageous than simply using him as an informant.

It could potentially grant them control over Cantum.

But just then…

“By the way, Prince Ian, an empress is all well and good, but wouldn’t it be advantageous to become the king’s son-in-law?”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard Prince Leonic has a beloved younger sister.”

“?”

Ian was taken aback.

He had already made a promise to Fionia Lavaltor.

However, the minister persisted.

“Isn’t the engagement still just a rumor? If it’s a marriage alliance with the royal family of the Cantum Empire, surely Duke Lavaltor would understand.”

The minister openly proposed breaking off the engagement. Strangely enough, he wasn’t the only one with that thought.

“It’s not a bad idea.”

“I agree, Your Majesty.”

Even King Eloin and the First Princess began to entertain the idea.

Especially the First Princess, who seemed eager to seek revenge on Ian for attempting to arrange a marriage with Leonic instead of himself.

Her gaze conveyed that she wouldn’t be the only one suffering.

That’s when Jealousy whispered.

[This is strange. Why is no one feeling jealous? It feels oddly dirty.]

‘I bet they are.’

Ian calmly suppressed his excitement.

Instead of pushing for the breakup, he spoke to the minister who suggested it.

“Prince Leonic and I are sworn brothers. Marrying the prince’s sister is something he would never desire.”

However, Leonic, who was standing nearby, shrugged.

“Huh? I don’t mind.”

“Ahem.”

“Hmm…”

Of course, it only lasted a moment.

Leonic quickly shut his mouth as he looked at the murderous look in Ian’s eyes.

But right at that moment…

“May I have a word?”

Unable to stand idly by any longer, Cesare stepped forward.